Bacolod City Government Accelerates Fuel Subsidy Distribution for Tricycle Operators
The Bacolod City Government is actively working to provide a fuel subsidy to members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (Toda) across various barangays, responding to the escalating fuel prices that are straining local transport operators. This initiative aims to offer financial relief to those heavily impacted by the ongoing economic pressures.
Mayor Gasataya Leads Crucial Meeting with Toda Representatives
On March 24, 2026, Mayor Greg Gasataya convened a significant gathering with Toda members at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby. The primary focus of the meeting was to outline the detailed application process for the fuel subsidy, ensuring that all participants understood the necessary steps to secure assistance.
"We organized this meeting to establish a comprehensive database and have all Toda presidents verify their members' lists accurately," Mayor Gasataya emphasized. "The Department of Social Welfare and Development has provided clear guidelines on how to apply for the fuel subsidy, and it is imperative that we follow them precisely."
Strict Deadlines and Verification Procedures
Mayor Gasataya highlighted the urgency of the situation, instructing Toda officials to submit complete and verified lists of their members to the DSWD before the deadline. This step is critical for the verification and forwarding of the final beneficiary list to the appropriate authorities.
The submission deadline is firmly set for March 25 at 7 p.m. Following this, the Department of Social Services and Development will encode the data and forward it to the DSWD for final approval. The mayor urged Toda members to include only active drivers in their submissions to prevent conflicts and ensure the processing is accurate and efficient.
"This is a pivotal moment for unity, as everyone in our community is affected by this crisis," Gasataya stated, underscoring the collective effort required to navigate the challenges posed by rising fuel costs.
Preparatory Meetings and Administrative Coordination
Prior to the consultation with Toda members, Mayor Gasataya and City Administrator Mark Mayo engaged in discussions with DSSD officials. Their goal was to guarantee the prompt release of fuel aid, streamlining administrative processes to avoid delays.
According to records from the Business Permits and Licensing Office, Bacolod City had 6,200 registered operating tricycles in 2025. However, as of March 2026, only 2,600 of these had secured a mayor's permit, highlighting a gap in formal registration that could impact subsidy distribution.
Community Response and Additional Appeals
Pedro Arib, president of the Bacolod Barangay Banago Toda, expressed optimism about the subsidy program. "Our members are hopeful that they will receive this assistance, especially with fuel prices soaring and many having families, including students, to support," he remarked.
Arib also extended gratitude to the City Government for facilitating the meeting, which enables Toda members to access fuel subsidies from the National Government. Additionally, he appealed for stricter enforcement against colorum tricycle operations and encouraged drivers to formalize their registration with Toda to improve overall regulation and support.
The Bacolod City Government's proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to addressing economic hardships faced by tricycle operators, fostering collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders during this critical period.
