Jeepney drivers plying routes within Naga City are set to receive daily fuel vouchers worth P500 each for one month under a freshly signed ordinance, as the local government moves quickly to cushion the impact of soaring fuel prices tied to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Mayor Leni Robredo, who signed the measure on Wednesday, has already directed the city accounting office to expedite the release of the vouchers. The city will partner with accredited gas stations for the duration of the program, with distribution handled by transport cooperatives and groups that hold established franchises and routes in Naga.
Oversight of the rollout falls under the Naga City Urban Transportation and Mobility Council and the Naga City Cooperatives Development Office, which will monitor compliance and implementation.
Councilor Elmer Baldemoro, who chairs the Committee on Finance and Appropriations, said the city council set aside more than P4.7 million for the subsidy program. The funds were drawn from reverted savings under the Local Government Support Fund, money originally earmarked for rice procurement.
The ordinance also builds in a coordination mechanism with the national government. Should the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board begin releasing its own assistance, the city’s voucher distribution will be suspended for 10 days before resuming.
For drivers on the ground, the subsidy comes as immediate relief. Rolly Hubilla, 52, who operates along the Naga–Calabanga route, said the daily support would ease the strain of household expenses.
“That would already be a big help to us, since I also have children and give them money for transportation to school every day. Thank you to the LGU for thinking of helping us right away,” he said.
Angel Buenviaje echoed the sentiment, noting the cumulative value of consistent daily support.
“That’s not small for me. If it’s given every day, it will eventually add up to something significant over time. I just want to thank Mayor Leni and President Marcos—we are receiving help in this difficult situation,” he said.
Leoner Aguilar said drivers have already been given tentative dates for when voucher distribution will begin, and commended both the city government and the Marcos administration for responding to the sector’s needs during the crisis.
