BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya announced plans to coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to address pressing concerns in the local transport sector.
The move comes as drivers and operators of jeepneys, taxis and tricycles seek relief amid rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed oil costs higher in recent weeks.
Gasataya recently met with leaders and representatives of traditional jeepney, tricycle and taxi associations at the Bacolod City Government Center.
The group staged a silent protest following a transport strike, calling for immediate fuel subsidies, oil price controls and financial assistance from local and national government agencies.
The city is working with relevant agencies to facilitate cash aid from the national government.
Of the 380 eligible beneficiaries for cash assistance, 240 qualified for aid from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The transport group has coordinated with the city to assist an additional 140 members who were not included in the official national list of recipients.
The assistance for drivers will initially come from the DSWD.
Fuel subsidies will follow once cleared for release by the LTFRB.
“On the part of the city, we are also preparing additional support in all forms possible. We are coordinating with proper agencies and preparing everything we can do to help the drivers,” Gasataya said.
Rudy Catedral, president of Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators and Drivers Inc.-Manibela, expressed gratitude to the city government for taking the time to listen to their concerns.
Meanwhile, to provide immediate relief to commuters during Monday’s transport strike, the city launched the Libre Sakay program, offering free rides along key routes across Bacolod.
The initiative aims to minimize disruption for daily travelers, particularly workers who rely on public transportation.
The city is assessing whether to continue the Libre Sakay program to ease the financial burden on the public, especially amid rising fuel and fare costs.
Gasataya noted that a transport strike would affect daily commuters.
He emphasized the local government’s commitment to support both commuters and transport workers.
“We all know that this situation affects the day-to-day expenses of our community, especially those who rely on transportation,” the mayor said in a statement.
Gasataya said he will coordinate with the LTFRB to determine what can be done to address the concerns being raised.
“If there is a need to continue the Libre Sakay, we will definitely continue,” he added. (Glazyl M. Jopson via tdg photo by tdg)