Western visayas: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Western Visayas (LTFRB-6) is finalizing the list of qualified transport sector beneficiaries for a cash subsidy program aimed at mitigating the impact of escalating fuel costs in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Neva Jane Alfaras, LTFRB-6 Administrative Officer V, announced during a media conference that there are approximately 8,000 to 10,000 beneficiaries in the region based on preliminary data. The program features a distinct subsidy for cooperative operators separate from the drivers.
For modern public utility jeepneys, operators will receive PHP10,000 per unit, while drivers will get PHP1,500. Operators of modern utility vehicle express services are set to receive PHP10,000 per unit, with drivers receiving PHP5,000. Traditional public utility jeepney operators will be granted PHP5,000 per unit and PHP1,500 for the driver. Traditional utility vehicle express operators and drivers will each receive PHP5,000.
Public utility buses are allocated PHP10,000 per unit, with an additional PHP5,000 for the driver, while mini-bus operators will obtain PHP9,000 and PHP5,000 for the driver. School transport services are assigned PHP5,000 each for the operator and driver. Transport network service vehicles will receive PHP1,500 for the operator, and taxis will benefit from PHP2,000 for the operator and PHP5,000 for drivers.
Salvador Altura, a consultant for the Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas, highlighted the importance of verifying professional licenses submitted by drivers and operators. Those without valid licenses will face disciplinary actions and will not be eligible for the assistance. Altura clarified that while the subsidy is intended for fuel, it will be directed to cooperatives and corporations, not individual drivers, unless they are lawfully driving public land transport.
Additionally, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will distribute 1,000 gift packs to selected drivers during a high visibility, high impact inspection and service caravan scheduled for March 26 to 27. Jose Degollado Jr., LTO 6 chief Transportation Regulation Officer, stated that 400 gift packs will be distributed at the Vallacar Transit terminal on Thursday, with the remaining 600 packs to be handed out at the Mohon and Iloilo Terminal Group Services Inc. terminals on Friday.
