Lucena City extends fuel subsidy to support jeepney drivers

By Rowena T. Cruz Jeepney drivers operating routes across Lucena City receive fuel assistance from the local government during a subsidy dis...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Jeepney drivers operating routes across Lucena City receive fuel assistance from the local government during a subsidy distribution program led by Mayor Mark Alcala. (Lucena City PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Jeepney drivers operating on different routes across the city received financial assistance from the Lucena City government as local officials moved to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on public transport operators. The assistance aims to help drivers continue their daily trips and sustain their livelihood while ensuring that commuters continue to have access to affordable transportation.

Under the program, each qualified driver received a fuel subsidy worth ₱3,000 that can be used in accredited gasoline stations across the city. The assistance was provided through fuel vouchers to ensure that the support would directly cover fuel expenses needed for daily trips.



The program was led by Mayor Mark Alcala, who supervised the distribution of fuel subsidies to jeepney drivers operating on different routes across the city. He said the program was started to provide immediate relief to drivers who rely on daily earnings and are among those most affected by changes in fuel prices.

“Alam namin na nahihirapan na ang ating mga jeepney drivers dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo. Kaya minabuti ng pamahalaang lungsod na magbigay na agad ng tulong mula sa ating sariling pondo habang hinihintay pa ang tulong mula sa pambansang pamahalaan. Nais naming ipakita na hindi sila nag-iisa sa pagharap sa mga hamon na ito.”

The mayor also said the city government is studying the possibility of providing another round of fuel subsidy if the situation does not improve in the coming months. He also reminded drivers to follow traffic rules and cooperate with the city’s experimental traffic rerouting program.

“Maganda ang feedback na natatanggap natin tungkol sa traffic rerouting na sinusubukan ng lungsod. Ngunit magiging mas epektibo lamang ito kung makikiisa ang mga tsuper at ang publiko sa pagsunod sa mga patakaran sa kalsada. Kapag nagtutulungan ang lahat ay mas magiging maayos ang daloy ng trapiko sa Lucena.”

For many jeepney drivers, the fuel subsidy provides temporary relief as they continue to deal with rising fuel prices and other daily operating costs while serving passengers across the city. The city government said it will continue exploring additional measures that could help sustain jeepney services and support drivers in the months ahead.