The city government is rolling out subsidies and support programs for fuel dependent livelihoods as rising oil costs linked to tensions in the Middle East begin to strain local incomes.
Mayor Cynthia King-Chan said the City Crisis Management Committee approved targeted interventions during its April 20 meeting to assist sectors most affected, particularly fisherfolk and transport workers.
The city will begin distributing financial assistance to registered fisherfolk next week, with implementation coordinated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Officials also moved to expand aid to island hopping pump boat operators, whose earnings have been directly hit by rising fuel prices. A proposal includes extending assistance to boat crew members, identified as among the most vulnerable.
Funding for the program is expected to come from environmental fees, with payroll processing to be handled by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Agriculture and Fisheries Office.
To ease pressure on household expenses, the city is scaling up its subsidized rice distribution under the P20 Rice Program. From March 26 to April 16, the city served 4,574 beneficiaries and distributed 910 sacks of rice across island barangays, including Caubian, Pangan-an, and Caohagan.
Beneficiaries included senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, 4Ps recipients, fisherfolk, and indigent residents.
King-Chan said the city has secured at least P3 million for the next rollout after completing requirements set by Food Terminal Inc..
Alongside subsidies, the city is piloting a cash for work transport program that allows jeepney drivers and pump boat operators to provide free rides during peak hours in exchange for government compensation.
The initiative aims to offset income losses while ensuring continued mobility for commuters, with plans also including a weekly free round trip service between Mactan and island barangays to improve access for isolated communities. (VCL)
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