Mankayan LGU in Benguet rolls out ₱2M fuel subsidy to ease burden on struggling local drivers

Mankayan, Benguet – Local transport drivers in Mankayan are set to receive financial relief as the local government rolls out a ₱2,000,000 fuel subsidy to help offset rising operating costs and keep public transport services running.

According to official documents cited by Mountain Beacon, Mankayan Mayor Cesar R. Pasiwen approved Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-10, or the “Mankayan Fuel Subsidy Ordinance of 2026,” on March 17, 2026.

Under the ordinance, the Office of the Municipal Mayor will determine the amount each driver will receive, with strict rules in place to prevent fraudulent claims. Tricycle operators and drivers must have valid and active franchises and be registered with the Municipal Tricycle Franchising Regulatory Board, while jeepney and van operators must be validated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

These transport groups are required to submit lists of qualified beneficiaries, which will then be verified and forwarded to the Municipal Budget Office for the preparation and release of funds.

The initiative comes as fuel prices in the Philippines remain volatile due to disruptions in global supply and ongoing international conflicts. Increasing expenses have placed added pressure on transport drivers and operators, affecting their daily operations and, in turn, the affordability and availability of public transportation for residents.

The ordinance took effect immediately upon approval. Local officials said the measure is intended as a targeted response to rising fuel costs, aimed at helping transport operators sustain their daily operations while keeping public transportation reliable and affordable for residents.