Lifeline for Drivers: DOTr-CAR rolls out fuel subsidy to nearly 8,000 Cordillera PUVs

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Department of Transportation (DOTr)–Cordillera is set to provide fuel subsidies to nearly 8,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers across the region as a response to rising fuel prices.

The assistance, according to the DOTr, aims to sustain transport services and livelihoods, especially as fewer jeepneys and taxis are seen operating due to the ongoing fuel crisis.

In an interview, DOTr–CAR Regional Director Glenn Dumlao said the subsidy is intended to support daily transport operations amid increasing fuel costs triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Dumlao explained that each vehicle unit will receive a ₱5,000 monthly subsidy from the DOTr, noting that the aid is meant to support both operators and drivers who share earnings from a single unit.

“Ngayon, ₱5,000 ‘yung monthly na ibibigay per unit para sa sasakyan, kasi minsan, ‘yung operator may drivers,” Dumlao said.

Aside from the subsidy, Dumlao added that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will also provide ₱5,000 to beneficiaries through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

Data from DOTr–CAR showed that 4,370 traditional and modernized public jeepneys and 3,384 taxis are included among the beneficiaries.

Beyond PUVs, Dumlao raised the possibility of extending assistance to drivers not covered by existing transport franchises, including so-called “garage” drivers, as rising fuel prices affect all sectors.

According to him, discussions are ongoing with local government units, particularly La Trinidad, to come up with recommendations.

"Yung mga walang prangkisa pero bumibiyahe, yung mga garage, FX—lahat siyempre, kahit wala silang prangkisa, apektado rin sila sa gasolina. We will explore, kaya pinagtulungan namin ni (La Trinidad) Mayor Roderick Awingan na gawan ng recommendation na dapat wala tayong i-discriminate muna," he added.

Dumlao also acknowledged reports that fewer PUVs are operating, as some drivers have reduced trips or temporarily stopped working due to the crisis.

He reminded drivers and operators that they are still required to provide service as mandated under the terms of their franchise, regardless of fuel price fluctuations.

Meanwhile, fare adjustments took effect on March 19, increasing the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys to ₱14 and ₱17 for modern units, with additional charges for succeeding kilometers.

The DOTr official said public consultations will be conducted to further discuss both the fare increase and the fuel subsidy roll out.