The provincial government of Ilocos Norte released PHP9.2 million in cash assistance on Wednesday for village workers in Batac City and tricycle drivers and operators in Bacarra and Vintar, officials said.
Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos led the distribution to 1,531 barangay workers at the Imelda Cultural Center, each receiving PHP4,000. She apologized for the delay, noting the aid is typically given every December, but processing of documentary requirements took time.
“Thank you for your patience and for helping the province of Ilocos Norte through your dedicated community service,” she said.
Araneta-Marcos said the release is “perfect timing” amid the ongoing Middle East conflict causing massive fuel price increases.
A total of 1,238 tricycle drivers and operators in Bacarra and Vintar received PHP2,500 each as fuel subsidy.
Edmar Salvador, president of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of Ilocos Norte, welcomed the initiative.
“This is a good initiative from the provincial government. We are grateful for the help, as we are really hard up to meet our daily needs because of the rising cost of fuel,” Salvador said in an interview.
Aside from fuel subsidies, the provincial government and local government units continue to distribute agricultural inputs to farmers and fisherfolk through the “Agri Ka Dito” program. Registered farmers and fisherfolk may request fuel aid, seeds, fertilizers, livestock, and machinery.
In 2025, the Sustainable Development Center allocated PHP6 million for fuel subsidy alone, sourced from the provincial government’s share of tobacco excise tax.
By Leilanie Adriano (PNA)