Over 2K riders from western Cebu receive Capitol relief

CEBU, Philippines — More than 2,000 habal-habal drivers from the western Cebu municipalities of Pinamungajan and Asturias received financial assistance from the Cebu Provincial Government as it continued its efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices brought about by tensions in the Middle East.

The Capitol distributed a total of P6.498 million in fuel subsidies to 2,166 beneficiaries, with each qualified driver receiving P3,000 in cash assistance.

The beneficiaries included 1,462 habal-habal drivers from Pinamungajan and 704 from Asturias, according to the Provincial Government.

Aside from the cash subsidy, each recipient also received 10 kilograms of rice provided by the National Government.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally led the distribution of the assistance during separate activities in the two western Cebu municipalities.

The fuel subsidy forms part of the Provincial Government's response to help public transport workers cope with increasing fuel costs attributed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have affected global oil prices.

For the beneficiaries, the assistance is expected to help lessen the burden of their daily operating expenses.

"Dako kaayo ni'g tabang kay makapahuway ko gamay og pamasahero," said Isidro Quimque, a habal-habal driver from Barangay Camugao, Pinamungajan.

Quimque added that the financial assistance would help him manage his day-to-day expenses while continuing to earn a living.

During the distribution, Baricuatro stressed that her administration remains focused on delivering public service regardless of political affiliations.

"Ang politika, eleksyon ra na. Karon kay naa naman koy mandate nga gihatag sa katawhan—1.1 million votes from the people of the Province of Cebu. Ang akong gi-atubang karon, serbisyo, dili na politika," the governor said.

Beyond the fuel assistance, the Capitol also turned over livelihood and development interventions to the two municipalities as part of its continuing rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by Typhoon Tino.

In Asturias, the Provincial Government distributed 10 carabaos with plows, 20 goats, veterinary supplies, and anti-rabies vaccines intended to support local farmers and livestock raisers.

One of the recipients, farmer Lydonia Matad, welcomed the assistance and expressed optimism that it would help improve their livelihood.

"Pasalamat ko ni Gov sa kaayo nga gihatag niya namo sa mga farmers. Makapadaghan jud mi ani," Matad said.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Pinamungajan received 20 rolls of HDPE hose to improve water line connections in various puroks.

Both Pinamungajan and Asturias also received agricultural inputs under the Province's Faith Always in the Home (FAITH) Program.

The assistance package included a walking-type agricultural tractor with a rotary tiller, HDPE plastic pallets, assorted vegetable seedlings, guyabano seedlings, and fertilizers aimed at strengthening local food production.

Pinamungajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro thanked the Provincial Government for its continuing assistance to the municipality, recalling that the Capitol had earlier delivered 23,000 food packs to residents affected by Typhoon Tino.

The mayor also announced that Governor Baricuatro had approved a P2-million road concreting project in Barangay Butong. He also disclosed that the municipality is preparing to sign a Deed of Usufruct with the Provincial Government for the construction of additional classrooms and a covered court at Lamac Elementary School.

Also present during the distribution were Asturias Mayor Dana Andrew "Dongkoy" Dumdum, Balamban Mayor Edwin "Amos" Cabahug, and other provincial and municipal officials. — (FREEMAN)