Photo courtesy of Romeo Gonzales/PNA.
BAGUIO CITY — The city government began releasing financial assistance to public utility jeepney drivers, with at least 1,300 beneficiaries set to receive Php 5,000 each, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Thursday.
Magalong said the payout was not a one-time effort, noting that additional rounds of assistance would follow as authorities continue to respond to the effects of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices.
He added that separate aid packages were also arranged for drivers participating in free ride initiatives, as well as for transport groups and associations.
Local officials said the transport sector was prioritized due to the sharp increase in fuel costs, which has significantly affected operations in the city.
Diesel prices in Baguio had climbed to between Php 125 and Php 133 per liter, placing additional strain on drivers’ daily earnings.
The mayor said the assistance had helped ease commuter congestion, particularly during evening hours when long lines were previously reported.
He noted that queues, which had extended late into the night in previous days, showed improvement as more vehicles were deployed after drivers committed to increasing trips.
The city allocated an initial Php 10 million fund for transport assistance and said it was exploring additional resources, with plans to extend aid to low-income residents and other vulnerable groups through the city social welfare office.
