Tricycle operators and drivers’ associations (TODAs) in Bacolod have until 7 p.m. today, March 25, to submit the names of their active members for fuel subsidy, amid rising fuel prices, the city government said March 24.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, who met with TODA officers and members at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby yesterday afternoon to discuss the fuel subsidy application process, stressed the importance of submitting a complete and verified list of members to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on or before the deadline.
“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 said.
He said the list is crucial in verifying and forwarding the final names of beneficiaries, adding that only active drivers should be listed to avoid conflicts and ensure accurate processing.
The submission deadline is 7 o’clock tonight to the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), which will encode the list and forward it to the DSWD for approval.
Per data from the Business Permits and Licensing Office, there were 6,200 registered operating tricycles recorded in 2025, while 2,600, have, so far, secured a mayor’s permit for this year, as of this month, the city said.
Pedro Arib, president of the Bacolod Barangay Banago TODA, expressed hope that his members will receive the subsidy due to the rising fuel costs. “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 strictly implement measures to curb colorum tricycle operations, and encouraged drivers to formalize their TODA registration. ||
