By CESAR JOLITO III
The Negros Occidental provincial government is studying the possible augmentation of a proposed fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUVs), including jeepneys and tricycles, as authorities move to ease the impact of rising oil prices on the transport sector.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the matter was discussed during a meeting with Gerry Llena, regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in the Negros Island Region (LTFRB-NIR).
Diaz said the provincial government will review the proposal and present it to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson for possible approval, including the amount of budget the province may allocate to augment the subsidy.
Diaz explained that details on the sharing scheme are still being finalized, particularly contributions from the LTFRB and local government units (LGUs).
Since the province is composed of 31 LGUs, the provincial government will first determine the level of participation from each LGU before deciding how much augmentation it can provide.
Llena also urged localities in Negros Occidental to provide counterpart assistance to help expand the fuel subsidy program for PUV drivers.
The proposed provincial subsidy aims to help cover fuel expenses of PUV operators for at least a month, preventing fare increases and ensuring uninterrupted transport services.
Diaz emphasized that sustaining mobility is crucial to avoid disruptions in the local economy, warning that an economic slowdown could lead to long-term, irreversible effects.
The initiative aligns with a national directive, as President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has ordered the immediate distribution of a P5,000 fuel subsidy for public utility drivers affected by rising oil prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said yesterday that the financial aid will begin rolling out next week to assist jeepney and tricycle drivers.
To accelerate implementation, Recto convened Metro Manila mayors to coordinate distribution of the subsidy.
“As mayors, you know best the real situation and the number of tricycle and jeepney drivers in your cities,” Recto said, adding that strong coordination and joint action would ensure timely assistance reaches all drivers in need./CJ, WDJ