CEBU — The Cebu Provincial Government returned to Compostela and Liloan on August 18 to continue providing fuel and rice assistance to habal-habal drivers amid rising fuel prices and increasing operating costs.

Led by Governor Pamela Baricuatro, the second batch of assistance benefited 3,513 habal-habal drivers in the two municipalities.

A total of 1,532 drivers in Compostela and 1,981 drivers in Liloan each received ₱3,000 in fuel assistance and 10 kilos of rice from the national government.

The latest distribution brought the total number of beneficiaries in Compostela and Liloan to 6,361 drivers, following the first batch of assistance distributed on August 11.

The first distribution benefited 1,348 drivers in Compostela and 1,500 drivers in Liloan.

May puso ang gobernadora

Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño thanked Gov. Baricuatro for continuing to provide assistance to motorcycle-for-hire drivers in the municipality.

Speaking during the program at the DM Reynes Municipal Gym, Quiño said the initiative demonstrates the governor’s efforts to identify communities that need assistance.

“Anhi ninyo makita nga ang atoang gobernadora naglantaw ug naninguha nga asa’ng dapita may ikatabang siya sa katawhan,” Quiño said.

“Anhi nato makita nga may puso ang gobernadora,” he added.

Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco likewise welcomed the assistance, saying it came at a critical time as fuel prices have increased again due to external factors beyond the province’s control.

The mayor noted that rising fuel costs directly affect habal-habal drivers because higher operating expenses leave them with less income to bring home.

“Sinsiro gyod ang amoang pasalamat dinha sa Provincial Capitol ug dinha nimo, Gov., sa paghatag ani nga assistance sa fuel ug rice diri sa atoang mga habal-habal drivers,” Frasco said.

Rice assistance from national government

The rice distributed to the beneficiaries came through the “Bigay Bigas sa Masa” program, which is funded under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) of the Department of Budget and Management.

The program provides rice assistance to qualified beneficiaries, including habal-habal drivers.

The combined fuel and rice assistance is intended to help drivers cope with higher daily expenses while continuing to provide transportation services in their communities.

Drivers provide essential community service

Gov. Baricuatro said habal-habal drivers deserve support because they provide an essential service, particularly in communities where motorcycle transportation is an important means of moving people and goods.

She emphasized that drivers help keep local communities and economic activities moving despite the challenges brought by rising fuel prices.

For many drivers, increased gasoline costs directly affect their daily earnings. Assistance with fuel expenses and basic food needs can therefore provide immediate relief to their families.

The continuation of the program also reflects the provincial government’s efforts to extend assistance to sectors directly affected by economic pressures.

Joining Gov. Baricuatro during the distribution were Fifth District Board Member Mike Villamor and Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano, along with officials from the Compostela and Liloan local governments.

The Cebu Provincial Government is expected to continue its assistance programs in other areas of the province as part of its efforts to support vulnerable sectors and provide relief amid increasing household and transportation costs.