By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — At least 166 passenger motorcycle drivers in the remote river town of Loreto will receive a much-needed fuel subsidy of seven liters per week for one month.
The fuel distribution will begin on March 28 at 9 a.m. at the municipal hall, according to a post on the official social media page of SHINE Loreto BIBO Loreto, the Local Government Unit of Loreto.
Drivers who are eligible for the subsidy are instructed to visit the Business Permit and Licensing Office and speak with Maryjane Aganap to claim their fuel distribution stubs.
“With the continuing rise in fuel prices, many sectors have been affected, especially our drivers. To help ease their burden, the local government of Loreto has provided a fuel subsidy,” the post explained.
In an online interview, April Khrysstil Guzman-Tianchon, the municipal information officer, clarified that only those registered and with a valid business permit will be eligible for the fuel subsidy.
While drivers in Metro Manila and other regions have already received a P5,000 in cash fuel subsidy, Loreto’s drivers will only be eligible for a subsidy of P2,800 for one month, based on the prevailing fuel price of P100 per liter. The total subsidy will cover 28 liters of fuel over the course of the month.
However, the possibility of fare increases due to the fuel subsidy remains unclear. Tianchon could not confirm whether there are habal-habal drivers included in the beneficiary list, explaining that she was still traveling at the time of the interview.
In Loreto and other far-flung villages in Agusan del Sur, habal-habal motorcycles serve as the primary mode of transportation. These single motorcycles are often modified with wooden extensions on the sides, allowing riders to transport more passengers. While these makeshift modifications maximize seating capacity, they are not officially sanctioned and may violate safety regulations.
For residents in remote areas, habal-habals are indispensable. Some public school teachers assigned to these regions are forced to endure difficult travel conditions, often staying in the area during school days and returning home on weekends to save on transportation costs.
Despite the subsidy, it remains uncertain whether the government’s efforts will significantly alleviate the growing concerns of local drivers and commuters.
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