Polangui: The local government of Polangui in Albay province will distribute fuel subsidy vouchers to more than 1,500 tricycle drivers to support their needs amid rising fuel costs and help sustain local transportation operations, officials announced Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Order No. 032, issued by Mayor Jesciel Richard Salceda, establishes the fuel subsidy program to offer financial assistance to qualified and registered members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) in the municipality. "The Local Government of Polangui recognizes the urgent need to provide immediate and targeted assistance to TODA members as frontliners in local mobility and service delivery," Salceda said.

Each qualified beneficiary will receive two fuel vouchers worth PHP500 each, totaling PHP1,000 per driver, Salceda added. The assistance is available to duly registered and active TODA members operating within Polangui, pending validation by municipal offices.

Salceda stated that tricycles are the main and essential mode of public transportation within the municipality, especially in barangays and rural areas not served by larger transportation systems. The Office of the Mayor, working with the Municipal Treasurer's Office, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Business Permits and Licensing Office, will oversee the distribution, expected to occur within the month.

Concerned offices are responsible for ensuring proper monitoring and accountability of the vouchers. Funds for the program will come from available municipal funds, following existing accounting and auditing rules.