Lucban gov’t reviews tricycle fare hike, studies provisional rates

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Agustin Villaverde joins local officials and transport representatives during a public hearing on proposed tric...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Mayor Agustin Villaverde joins local officials and transport representatives during a public hearing on proposed tricycle fare adjustments in Lucban. (Lucban LGU)

LUCBAN, Quezon - Facing rising fuel costs, the municipal government of Lucban is studying a provisional increase in tricycle fares. Rising petroleum costs linked to tensions in the Middle East and the State of Energy Emergency prompted the LGU to review fuel use and spending.

A recent public hearing was held to gather input from stakeholders and assess the need for fare adjustments among tricycle operators and commuters. The consultation focused on identifying immediate responses to rising fuel prices affecting daily transport operations.



The hearing focused on Resolution No. 2026-01 of the Municipal Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Board (MTFRB) on proposed fare adjustments for tricycles. The measure was taken up as part of the LGU’s review of transport policies amid increasing fuel costs.

Mayor Agustin Villaverde, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, heads of municipal offices, and sector representatives attended the consultation to provide institutional input on the issue. Reduced driver earnings and increasing commuter expenses were raised as key concerns during the session discussions.

“Ramdam namin ang bigat ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo sa hanapbuhay ng ating mga drayber at sa gastusin ng ating mga kababayan. Kailangan nating makahanap ng solusyon na makatarungan para sa parehong sektor nang hindi lalong nagpapahirap sa publiko.”

Councilor Godofredo Martinez presented the proposed fare structure during the hearing to outline possible adjustments for the sector. The proposal outlines adjustments intended to offset higher fuel costs while limiting the burden on passengers using tricycle services.

“Hindi natin maaaring pabayaan ang ating mga drayber na nalulugi dahil sa taas ng gasolina habang isinasaalang-alang din ang kakayahan ng mga pasahero na magbayad. Ang layunin ng panukalang ito ay makahanap ng balanse sa pagitan ng kabuhayan at serbisyong abot-kaya.”

The municipal government said it is consolidating feedback from the hearing as part of its ongoing review process. The Sangguniang Bayan is expected to deliberate on the proposal before issuing a final decision on fare adjustments.

In a related move, the Buhusan Festival in Lucban has been cancelled as part of efforts to conserve fuel and electricity following the declaration of a State of Energy Emergency. The cancellation also reflects the LGU’s decision to prioritize essential services and manage limited resources amid rising fuel costs.