Pangasinan: Public utility jeepney drivers and operators in Pangasinan have expressed gratitude for the cash relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) meant to ease the burden of surging oil prices on their livelihood.
According to Philippines News Agency, Allan Justin Doria, a jeepney driver from Dagupan City, shared his appreciation in an interview, stating that the aid would be used to purchase diesel and support his family. Although fuel prices have been decreasing, Doria emphasized that the costs remain significant, thus expressing his gratitude to the DSWD and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for their support.
Melvin Quijano from San Carlos City also expressed his gratitude for the financial assistance, noting the relief it provides in managing family expenses. He mentioned that he has a wife and two children to support, making the aid vital for his household.
The two drivers are among the 2,345 jeepney operators and drivers in Pangasinan who received the PHP5,000 cash aid. LTFRB 1 (Ilocos Region) Director Cristal Sibayan announced that further distributions will occur in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. Additionally, 923 jeepney drivers and operators in San Fernando City, La Union received cash relief earlier.
Sibayan mentioned that some jeepney drivers also benefited from an additional PHP1,500 fuel subsidy from the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation. The fuel subsidy is distributed in batches, with those included in the current batch receiving the subsidy.
Furthermore, LTFRB-1 has launched a service contracting program for about 300 units of modernized jeepneys in Pangasinan. This initiative prioritizes modernized jeepneys due to their amortization obligations. Under the program, public utility vehicles are contracted to follow specific routes to enhance commuter services.
The program also includes discounts for commuters, offering a 20 percent discount for regular passengers and an additional 20 percent discount for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students, totaling a 40 percent discount. Drivers and operators benefit financially as they are compensated PHP40 per kilometer traveled, up to a maximum of 100 kilometers per unit per day, which can aid in vehicle maintenance.
