Ilocos Norte public drivers get subsidy amid spike in fuel prices

A public utility driver in Ilocos Norte holds gas coupons he received from the provincial government. (Photo courtesy of Ilocos Norte government)

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—The provincial government had set aside at least P20 million to aid public utility drivers hit by the steady rise in oil prices, local officials said Monday, Oct. 25.

The fund will be given in the form of gas coupons worth P1,000 and P1,500 of gasoline for tricycle and jeepney drivers, respectively.

At least 100 tricycle drivers in this city received on Oct. 22 coupons that they exchanged for fuel in gas stations serving as partners of the provincial government in rolling out the program.

To fast-track the disbursement of the funds, the provincial government said it would collaborate with local governments.

In a statement, Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc said the provincial government would try to allocate a higher amount in the 2022 provincial budget to assist the transportation sector more.

Fisherfolk in the coastal town of Pasuquin also felt the hike in oil prices.

Already hard hit by the pandemic, fisherfolk in the town would need to shell out around P1,000 to P2,000 in fuel oil per trip to reach the ideal fishing grounds 20 to 30 miles from the shore.

To earn profit or break even, they would need to catch around 50 kilos per trip.

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