• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A total of 9,617 qualified Bacolod tricycle drivers are set to receive a P5,000 fuel subsidy starting today, April 8, through Friday.
The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) head Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga has designated the Bacolod City College, Bacolod City National High School, SM City Bacolod, and Ayala Malls Capitol Central as official payout venues.
To streamline the distribution process, the list will be arranged alphabetically and further sorted by barangay.
The city will also be providing a centralized help desk in the government center, as well as one per each pay out venues, to address various concerns regarding the payout.
Mangga said that the DSSD is personally coordinating with various city offices, barangay leaders, and Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations to ensure all recipients are properly guided and informed.
She emphasized that tricycle drivers must personally claim their financial aid, noting that drivers are physically capable of appearing at the designated sites.
According to her, those unable to claim their subsidy on their specific schedule, a separate day will be allotted with the same assigned venues.
She said that the list of eligible recipients was released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development through its Negros Island Regional office.
Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said that if there are drivers who are qualified but did not make it to the list, the city may be appealing for another batch.
He urged the beneficiaries to strictly follow the provided timetable, cautioning them not to arrive if it is not their scheduled date to avoid unnecessary crowds and personal inconvenience.*
