More than 2,000 motorcycle-for-hire drivers in western Cebu received nearly P6.5 million in fuel assistance from the Cebu Provincial Government as part of efforts to help ease the impact of rising fuel costs.
A total of 2,166 habal-habal drivers from Pinamungajan and Asturias benefited from the program, with each recipient receiving P3,000 in financial assistance.
Provincial records showed that 1,462 drivers from Pinamungajan and 704 from Asturias received the subsidy, bringing the total assistance to P6.498 million.
Aside from the cash aid, each beneficiary also received 10 kilograms of rice from the National Government.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the distribution and said the provincial government remains focused on providing services to Cebuanos regardless of political differences.
“Ang politika, eleksyon ra na. Karon kay naa naman koy mandate nga gihatag sa katawhan—1.1 million votes from the people of the Province of Cebu. Ang akong gi-atubang karon, serbisyo, dili na politika,” Baricuatro said.
The fuel assistance was provided amid continued pressure from higher fuel prices linked to global market conditions, including the effects of the Middle East oil crisis.
Aside from the fuel subsidy, the Capitol also distributed agricultural and livelihood assistance to support communities recovering from the effects of Typhoon Tino.
In Asturias, the provincial government provided 10 carabaos with plows, 20 goats, veterinary supplies, and anti-rabies vaccines for farmers and livestock raisers.
Farmer Lydonia Matad, one of the recipients of the livestock assistance, thanked the provincial government for supporting farmers.
“Pasalamat ko ni Gov sa kaayo nga gihatag niya namo sa mga farmers. Makapadaghan jud mi ani,” Matad said.
Meanwhile, Pinamungajan received 20 rolls of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) hose pipes intended to improve water distribution systems in communities.
Both municipalities also received agricultural assistance through the Province’s Faith Always in the Home (FAITH) Program, including a walking-type agricultural tractor with rotary tiller, HDPE plastic pallets, vegetable and guyabano seedlings, and fertilizers to support local food production.
Pinamungajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro thanked the provincial government for its continued assistance, including the earlier distribution of 23,000 food packs to families affected by Typhoon Tino.
He also said Governor Baricuatro approved a P2-million road concreting project in Barangay Butong and that the municipality is preparing to sign a Deed of Usufruct with the province for the construction of additional classrooms and a covered court at Lamac Elementary School.
The activity was also attended by Asturias Mayor Dana Andrew “Dongkoy” Dumdum, Balamban Mayor Edwin “Amos” Cabahug, former Board Member Jiembo Borgonia, and other local officials.
Photo courtesy of LGU Pinamungajan
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