Iloilo city: The local government here has launched a fuel subsidy program aimed at public utility vehicles, beginning with the release of subsidies to 1,718 members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Raisa Tre±as announced the implementation of this assistance program in response to the increasing prices of petroleum products due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The PHP500 Fuel Subsidy Coupon (FSC) was first distributed to TODA members in the districts of Arevalo, Molo, Jaro, and La Paz on Wednesday, with plans to continue the payout on Thursday in the City Proper and Mandurriao.

Tre±as specified that members from the Arevalo, City Proper, and Jaro districts can redeem their coupons on March 27, while those from Mandurriao, Molo, La Paz, and Lapuz can do so on March 28, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The redemption process requires drivers to present the FSC at designated gasoline stations, along with their original driver's license, a photocopy of their identification card with three specimen signatures, and their official receipt/certificate of registration.

The city government has stationed personnel at gas stations to assist in the redemption process, as noted by the city mayor. Furthermore, Tre±as indicated that the distribution of FSCs will extend to public utility jeepneys once the initial phase for TODA members is completed.

Mayor Tre±as also mentioned the city's intent to seek budgetary provisions to potentially make the subsidy a monthly offering for the transport sector until the stabilization of petroleum prices.