The Cebu Provincial Government is set to distribute rice to transport workers as part of efforts to ease the impact of rising fuel prices on one of the sectors most affected by economic pressures.
The first batch of the program prioritizes drivers and operators whose daily income has been heavily affected by fluctuating fuel costs and reduced passenger demand.
Distribution will begin this week at the Provincial Capitol grounds, where thousands of beneficiaries are expected to receive their government support.
Each qualified recipient will receive 10 kilograms of rice, provided free of charge under the province’s immediate intervention initiative.
The assistance specifically covers transport groups accredited by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region VII, including jeepney and taxi drivers residing in Cebu Province.
Drivers based in highly urbanized areas, such as Cebu City and Mandaue City, are not included in this initial phase.
Provincial officials explained that the selective rollout allows the government to focus on areas with fewer local resources and greater reliance on provincial aid.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces confirmed that more than 4,200 transport workers will benefit from the first batch.
“This Thursday and Friday, the first batches of rice for 4,200-plus transport workers will be distributed,” Empaces said.
The Capitol has prepared around 4,500 rice packs to ensure full availability.
Empaces emphasized that the rice will be handed out directly at the Capitol to streamline the process and avoid logistical delays.
“Ari ra diri ipanghatag. Ten kilos ang ihatag under ni siya sa program nga LGSF nga nakuha ni Gov. gikan sa Office of the President,” he added.
The rice stocks were sourced from local farmers, aligning the program with efforts to support both consumers and agricultural producers.
Transport workers were chosen as the first recipients due to the immediate impact of fuel price instability on their livelihoods.
Empaces said the rollout will expand in the coming days to include additional groups, such as bus operators from northern and southern routes.
“So next week, mag-rollout nasad mi sa bus operators—North ug South Bus—dungan pud sa urban poor communities in Talisay and Mandaue,” he said.
Habal-habal drivers are also scheduled to receive assistance, with the first batch expected on April 10.
To ensure fairness, the provincial government is validating beneficiary lists to prevent individuals from receiving aid more than once across different local government units.
“Ang among gilikayan kay mahitabo nga nakadawat na sa usa ka lugar, hatagan na sad namo. Para magamit pa sa lain nga LGU,” Empaces explained.
Officials said the rice distribution is part of a broader second-quarter emergency response plan designed to reach multiple sectors in phases.
Beyond transport workers, the program will extend to fisherfolk and farmers in the coming weeks.
“Actually, ang second quarter crisis assistance emergency ang amoa run. Human ani, adto nasad mi sa fisherfolks and farmers—ing-anaon namo siya para walay mabiyaan,” he said. (SBA)
Image: Philippine News Agency
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