Butuan City to release one-time fuel subsidy for tricycle, motorela drivers
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The city government of Butuan is set to release a one-time fuel subsidy to registered tricycle and motorela-for-hire drivers in the city.
By virtue of SP Ordinance No. 17-043-2026, approved on March 24, the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Butuan authorized the release of a one-time fuel subsidy amounting to P2,000 for each registered tricycle and motorela-for-hire driver.
This initiative reflects the city government’s commitment to providing immediate relief and assistance to qualified drivers amid the increasing and volatile fuel prices.
According to City Councilor Victor Vicente G. Plaza, the fuel subsidy, which will be distributed as fuel vouchers, is essential in sustaining the city’s transport operations for the benefit of the public.
“This assistance is not merely a financial aid, it is necessary support to sustain transport operations, prevent service disruption, and protect the commuting public,” said Councilor Plaza during the 12th SP Regular Session.
With the ordinance approved, more than 2,700 registered tricycle and motorela-for-hire drivers are expected to benefit from the subsidy, which is set to be implemented by the first week of April 2026.
To qualify, drivers must meet the following criteria:
• Be duly registered as operating a tricycle-for-hire or motorela-for-hire unit within Butuan’s jurisdiction;
• Hold a valid driver’s license and Driver’s Education Program (DEP) ID issued by the City Transportation and Traffic Management Department (CTTMD); and
• Be actively operating in the city during the implementation period.
Camillo Coco, a tricycle-for-hire driver, expressed his gratitude for the assistance, especially as no fare increase has been implemented. “Dako kaayo ni’g tabang, ilabina nga lahi pa gyud kini sa assistance nga gihatag sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Dako gyud ni’g kahulugan para sa akoa kay sakto-sakto ra gyud ang akong kita. Sa karon, ang ginansya nako matag 1 litro sa gasolina mga P100 ra, samtang ang presyo sa gasolina misaka na og P85 hangtod P90.”
(This is truly a big help, especially since it is separate from the assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It really means a lot to me because my income is just enough to get by. Currently, my earnings per liter of gasoline are only around P100, while the price of gasoline has already risen from P85 to P95 per liter.)
He also shared that he is grateful for the proactive support of the city government of Butuan, noting that he recently visited their cooperative for profiling in preparation for the assistance rollout. (MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Butuan)
