• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Negros Island Region (LTFRB-NIR) has confirmed that the distribution of fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Bacolod City will commence this week.
Regional Director Atty. Gerry Llena announced the rollout following a meeting with Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya yesterday.
The subsidy aims to provide financial relief to drivers of traditional and modernized jeepneys, taxis, and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).
According to Gasataya, the finalized list of beneficiaries includes a total of 10,551 PUV drivers across the city.
Llena said eligible drivers are expected to receive a subsidy of P1,500 each from the LTFRB.
He said that the payout will be conducted through direct cash releases and digital transfers via e-wallet applications.
He noted that the schedule was slightly adjusted as the agency waited for the completion of payouts in Iloilo City, as the same personnel are tasked with overseeing the fund release in Bacolod.
Llena stated that the city will adopt the established systems of Region 6, citing their effective control mechanisms.
He noted that while the LTFRB covers official franchise holders, the city government is assisting in identifying traditional jeepney drivers with pending franchises for alternative support.
The regional director said that the LTFRB Central office and Gasataya aims to include those not covered by the fuel subsidy under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
The regional director added that the LTFRB is currently finalizing the consolidation of qualified drivers to ensure a smooth distribution process.*
