To address the economic strain of rising fuel prices driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya formally transmitted a verified list of 10,551 local drivers to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the expedited processing of national fuel subsidies.
The submission is designed to deliver immediate financial relief to the city’s transport sector to cushion the impacts of the fuel crisis, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
The consolidated list represents a broad and verified cross-section of Bacolod’s transport landscape, ensuring that relief reaches those most affected by rising operational costs.
“This already included the drivers who protested from the streets. The most important thing for us is that they are validated, meaning they are qualified. So, as soon as the DSWD receives this within the day, we will be able to get the final instruction from the DSWD as to our request,” Gasataya explained.
The registry includes Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) and Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers with active franchises, alongside Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) drivers certified by their respective companies, including Grab, Maxim, InDrive, and Joyride. Furthermore, the submission covers drivers from firms such as J&T Express, and modernized Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers, all verified through their respective associations and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board – Negros Island Region (LTFRB-NIR).
Gasataya specifically appealed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to extend assistance to traditional and modernized Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers who currently lack active franchises from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
By recommending their inclusion under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, the Mayor has ensured that these vulnerable workers are not excluded from government support. This administrative adjustment ensures that undocumented yet heavily affected drivers are accommodated and are included in the relief pipeline.
“It depends on the DSWD when they will determine how many they will distribute. They will release them this time to the public transport sector,” the mayor added.*
