5 La Union LGUs provide fuel subsidy to farmers, fisherfolk

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

SANTOL, La Union, Philippines — The municipal governments of Balaoan, Bangar, Caba, Santol and Sudipen in this province have provided fuel subsidy to farmers, fisherfolk and tricycle drivers and operators to help them cope with the high cost of petroleum products.

Balaoan Mayor Carlo Concepcion said the municipal government allotted P3.3 million from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation or AICS fund for 3,300 beneficiaries.

Concepcion said that beneficiaries were given fuel vouchers, which they could use to procure 10 liters of gasoline or diesel at gas stations accredited by the municipal government.

He said the names of the beneficiaries were validated and submitted by barangay officials.

Balaoan is the first among 20 local government units (LGUs) in La Union to implement the subsidy since fuel prices spiked last week.

Aside from Balaoan, the towns of Bangar, Caba, Santol and Sudipen also provided similar subsidies to their farmers, fisherfolk and tricycle drivers and operators.

The amounts provided were based on the financial capabilities of the LGUs.

Fare hike sought

In Davao City, tricycle drivers are seeking a fare hike to be able to cope with the surging fuel costs.

Members of the Tricycle Alliance of Davao City (TADC) are seeking an increase in the minimum fare from P10 to P20 for the first four kilometers, and an additional P5 for every succeeding kilometer.

Michael Ybañez, chairman of the TADC and Mamay Transport Cooperative, said the fare increase would help drivers meet the needs of their families.

Members of the groups said it is time to increase the minimum fare, which they said has remained the same since May 2020.

Ybañez said that their take-home pay has dropped to P300 to P400 per day or even lower.