Iloilo City:Iloilo Government financial assistance is enabling a transport cooperative in Iloilo to deploy all 95 of its modernized jeepneys, despite the challenges posed by rising fuel costs, according to the cooperative's chairperson.

According to Philippines News Agency, Raymundo 'Boyet' Parcon, chair of the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative (WVTC), announced that the cooperative anticipates receiving a PHP20,000 monthly subsidy per jeepney from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) within the week. This support will allow the cooperative to operate its full fleet, which services routes from the Mohon, Ungka, and Tagbak terminals to Iloilo City.

Parcon emphasized the importance of this assistance, stating that the cooperative's board decided to deploy 100% of their units due to this financial aid. The subsidy will also be used to cover employee benefits, including contributions to the Pag-IBIG Fund, Social Security System, and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Additionally, the cooperative plans to build up diesel reserves as a precaution against potential ends to government assistance and fuel discounts.

The financial support is seen as crucial for sustaining operations amid fuel price increases, preventing potential service disruptions for commuters. Parcon warned that without such assistance, the cooperative might have to cut operations to as few as five units per route if fuel prices continue to rise.

Ma. Joscet Abellar, chief transportation development officer of the LTFRB in Western Visayas, stated that the assistance will be available for three months and is expected to benefit approximately 1,500 modernized jeepneys in the region. She encouraged eligible operators to submit applications to the regional LTFRB office for evaluation and onward endorsement to the central office.