The Cebu Provincial Government is preparing a targeted assistance program for habal-habal drivers, with fuel subsidies expected to roll out after Holy Week.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the initiative is designed for informal motorcycle-for-hire operators across Cebu, with assistance to be given in fuel instead of cash to ensure the support directly helps drivers earn.
“We are still finalizing the guidelines, after Holy Week,” she said during a recent press briefing.
Initial plans show around 5,000 drivers may benefit from the program, with each expected to receive fuel assistance valued between P3,000 and P5,000.
Baricuatro emphasized that providing fuel instead of cash would help guarantee that the aid translates into income-generating capacity.
“Dili kwarta kundi fuel… because if there’s fuel, they can earn from it,” she explained.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said coordination with local government units will be crucial in identifying and verifying beneficiaries.
“Most LGUs now nag-inventory na sila kay some LGUs would like to do the same initiative pud,” Empaces said.
He added that the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has been tasked to align local efforts with the province’s overall framework.
“Ang instruction nato karon with PSWDO is unsay ihatag didto, mosunod nalang mi,” he said.
The province is also studying partnerships with fuel stations to ensure proper distribution and prevent misuse of funds.
“We’re also leaning sa guidelines na possible naa mi partner nga gas stations para gas jud ang ihatag, dili cash,” Empaces said.
Provincial data suggests that even a modest fuel allocation could help sustain operations, with P1,000 worth of gasoline potentially lasting up to two weeks.
Officials estimate that the maximum subsidy could support drivers for as long as two months, easing the burden of rising fuel prices.
Empaces said the initiative is part of broader efforts to assist marginalized sectors not covered by national government programs.
“Ang uban drivers kay ma-cover man sa national emergency. Katong atong gi-cover kay kana jung di masulod,” he explained.
The province is also tightening validation after discovering that some listed individuals may not be actively engaged in the habal-habal sector.
“So we really want to clean up the list karon together with the LGU,” he stressed.
Those found ineligible may be redirected to other provincial assistance programs.
With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate, the provincial government hopes the initiative will provide relief to drivers relying on daily earnings.
“Hopefully mao nay gi-target ni Gov nga ma-normalize ang crisis sa oil,” Empaces said. (SBA)
Photo by SBA
