𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐋-𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐘 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊
The Cebu Provincial Government will launch a fuel subsidy program for habal-habal drivers after Holy Week, targeting informal riders left out of national aid.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro announced the program during her regular press briefing on March 25, saying qualified beneficiaries will receive ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 in fuel assistance.
“No need ni sila nga registered og any cooperative basta they are endorsed by the LGU,” the governor said.
She explained the program is designed to fill gaps in government support by prioritizing drivers who play a vital role in local transport but remain outside formal systems,particularly habal-habal riders serving remote and underserved areas across Cebu.
Tricycle operators and drivers affiliated with cooperatives or associations already receiving national assistance will be excluded.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said this ensures there is no duplication of government assistance, noting that formal drivers are already covered by existing national programs.
𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝
Initial data show around 5,000 habal-habal drivers operate across Cebu province, though figures are still subject to validation, Empaces said.
The Capitol is now coordinating closely with LGUs to validate beneficiaries and prevent fraudulent claims, as local officials are considered best positioned to identify active drivers in their areas.
𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥
Subsidies may be distributed in cash or through fuel vouchers via gas station partnerships.
Empaces said ₱1,000 can cover about two weeks of fuel, while ₱5,000 may sustain a driver for up to two months, as the Capitol hopes the Middle East crisis eases by then.
The program may be extended beyond a one-time distribution, depending on available funds and fuel price trends. It is part of a wider provincial transport aid package that includes rice assistance and a ₱20-million “Libreng Sakay” initiative.I CAPITOL
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