By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has initiated measures to expedite the release of fuel subsidies for tricycle drivers amid the continued rise in fuel prices, calling for urgent coordination and accurate data submission to ensure affected drivers receive assistance.

During a meeting with members of various Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODA) at the Bacolod City Government Center on Tuesday, March 24, Gasataya emphasized the need to consolidate and verify a comprehensive list of beneficiaries.

The mayor said TODA presidents were tasked to validate their respective member lists in line with the application guidelines set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

He underscored that only complete and verified submissions will be processed to avoid delays in the release of aid.

Gasataya also urged associations to include non-member drivers who are equally affected by the fuel crisis, stressing the importance of inclusivity during the economic strain.

“This is the most important time for us to unite, as everyone is impacted by this crisis,” the mayor said.

To prevent discrepancies, drivers were advised to list only active members currently operating on the roads. The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) will encode and forward the data to the DSWD for final approval.

Prior to the consultation, the city government coordinated with the DSSD to ensure the swift processing and release of the subsidy.

Pedro Arib, president of the Barangay Banago TODA, welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that drivers will receive the much-needed assistance.

“Our members expect to receive support given the high cost of fuel, especially those who are supporting their families and sending children to school,” Arib said.

He also called on the city to address the proliferation of unregistered or “colorum” tricycle operations and encouraged drivers to formalize their membership with TODA.

Data from the Business Permits and Licensing Office showed that around 6,200 tricycles were registered as operating in 2025.

However, only about 2,600 had secured a mayor’s permit as of March 2026, highlighting gaps in compliance within the sector.

The city government continues to work with national agencies to ensure that eligible drivers receive timely relief as fuel costs remain volatile./CJ, WDJ