Mayor Greg Gasataya gathered members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA) at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby Tuesday afternoon, March 24, to discuss the application process for a fuel subsidy amid rising fuel prices affecting all drivers.
“We requested this meeting to compile a comprehensive database and to have all TODA presidents verify their members’ lists. The DSWD has provided guidelines on how to apply for the fuel subsidy,” Gasataya explained.
He stressed the importance of submitting a complete and verified list of members to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) before the deadline, as this is crucial for verifying and forwarding the final list of beneficiaries.
Gasataya also encouraged members to include non-member drivers affected by the crisis who need support.
“This is the most important time for us to unite, as everyone is impacted by this crisis”, he said.
The mayor advised TODA members to list only active drivers to avoid conflicts and ensure accurate processing.
The submission deadline is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, after which the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) will encode the list and forward it to the DSWD for approval, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
Before the consultation with TODA, the city mayor and the city administrator met with DSSD to ensure the immediate release of fuel aid.
Pedro Arib, president of Bacolod Barangay Banago TODA, said
“our members expect to receive assistance since fuel prices are so high now, and some even have students to support”.
He also appealed to the city government to implement measures to curb colorum tricycle operations and encouraged drivers to formalize their registration with TODA.
Arib thanked the city for calling the meeting and for their efforts to facilitate the subsidy process from the national government.
Based on the data of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) 6,200 registered operating tricycles were recorded in 2025. While only 2,600 secured a mayor’s permit as of March 2026.*
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