Over 8,000 habal-habal drivers get Capitol aid

CEBU, Philippines — At least 8,138 habal-habal drivers in Cebu Province have received financial assistance from the provincial government under its fuel subsidy program, with the Capitol releasing P24.44 million in aid to beneficiaries across 26 local government units (LGUs).

Each qualified driver received P3,000 in cash assistance as part of the province's effort to help transport workers cope with rising fuel prices and increasing transportation expenses.

Elizar Sabinay, Executive Assistant V assigned to the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), said the provincial government has already completed the distribution of assistance in several areas while preparations are underway for the next phase of the program.

"We already distributed support to 26 LGUs, total of 8,138 habal-habal drivers amounting to P24 million," Sabinay said.

According to Sabinay, the Capitol is now looking at expanding the subsidy program to cover additional LGUs, particularly cities across the province.

"We're looking at extending to other LGUs. Next mag-start na sa mga cities," he said.

The provincial government is targeting around 47,000 more habal-habal drivers for the succeeding rounds of assistance, with projected support amounting to approximately P142 million.

"We're looking at around 47,000 padung pa hatagan worth P142 million support," Sabinay added.

He said that some districts still have a large number of beneficiaries undergoing validation.

Sabinay explained that the province is prioritizing areas that were heavily affected by recent calamities, including typhoons and earthquakes.

"We're focusing on the areas that are mostly affected by typhoon and earthquake," he said.

He added that the ongoing validation process is one of the major challenges in the implementation of the program.

Sabinay said some groups have only recently organized themselves into habal-habal associations, prompting Capitol to carefully verify the legitimacy of applicants before releasing assistance.

"Nagpadayon pa ang validation process. Ang uban man gud naghimo og association sa habal-habal drivers nga karon pa. Ang among gipangita kay kadtong dugay na," he explained.

Because of this, the figures initially submitted by some LGUs still need to undergo review and validation to ensure that only qualified beneficiaries are included in the payout list.

Records from the Capitol showed that the second district has completed the distribution of assistance to 1,876 habal-habal drivers, while the seventh district has also finished payouts to 3,354 beneficiaries.

Other LGUs that have completed cash distributions include Balamban with 525 beneficiaries, Tuburan with 339, Bantayan with 67, Madridejos with 116, Santa Fe with nine, Catmon with 561, San Francisco with 519, Tudela with 46, Poro with 241, Pilar with 398, and Cordova with 87 beneficiaries. — (FREEMAN)