Agusan Sur’s Loreto town gives tricycle drivers weekly fuel subsidy
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
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On March 28-29, 2026, tricycle drivers lined up
their vehicles at a local gasoline station, waiting for their turn to fill
their tanks with free fuel from the local government. (Photo courtesy of LGU
Loreto) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — As petroleum prices continue to surge amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, one of the hardest-hit sectors has been the transport industry, particularly local tricycle drivers. In response, the local government unit (LGU) of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, under the leadership of Municipal Mayor Alvin Otaza, swiftly implemented a weekly fuel subsidy program beginning March 28.
On March 25, LGU Loreto announced through its official Facebook page that the much-anticipated fuel subsidy would be distributed on March 28–29. Each registered tricycle driver is entitled to seven liters of free fuel per week for the entire month.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Loreto spearheaded the release of fuel claim stubs, ensuring that only duly registered drivers will be able to benefit from the program.
Dante Taba, a 45-year-old tricycle driver in Loreto and a father of four, could not contain his happiness upon hearing the news about the fuel subsidy from LGU Loreto for tricycle drivers like him.
“Sa tinuod lang, dako jud ug tabang sa amo nga mga driver ang tabang gikan sa LGU, labi na sa panahon karon nga mahal na ang gasolina (To be honest, the fuel subsidy from the LGU is already a big help for us, [tricycle] drivers, especially now that fuel prices are increasing),” said Taba.
He also shared that before the Middle East crisis, his daily income from driving would range from P300 to P500 on a good day. However, with fuel price surges, his daily income fell below P300, barely enough to feed his family. As such, the LGU’s fuel subsidy came as a much-needed help for thriving drivers like himself.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by the transport sector, with many drivers noting that the subsidy not only eases their financial burden but also allows them to continue serving commuters without increasing fares. For residents, this means more affordable and reliable transportation despite the volatile fuel market.
Mayor Otaza emphasized that the program reflects the LGU’s commitment to supporting grassroots communities during times of crisis. He added that the subsidy is part of a broader set of interventions aimed at cushioning vulnerable sectors from the economic ripple effects of global conflicts.
Local officials are hopeful that the subsidy will inspire similar measures in neighboring municipalities, fostering a spirit of solidarity and proactive governance. As Loreto’s tricycle drivers continue to navigate the challenges of rising fuel costs, the LGU’s timely intervention stands as a testament to the power of responsive leadership in safeguarding livelihoods. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
