BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - Cordillera Administrative Region (LTFRB-CAR) is set to release another fuel subsidy to more than 8,000 beneficiaries in the region.

LTFRB-CAR Regional Director Lalaine Sobremonte said   they are waiting for the Department of Budget and Management to download the fund under the 2022 General Appropriations Act  very soon.

Beneficiaries   composed of public utility vehicle drivers and operators are set to receive P6, 500 subsidy under the 2022 Fuel Subsidy Program.

"Han lang a pang PUJ dejay kundi kasama  pati taxi, kasama ti PUB kunatayo Public Utility Bus, minibus, kasaman pati UV express, kasama pati tourist trans ken dagijay TNVS ngem they cannot withdraw the amount.They have to go to a participating gasoline station and then, i-swipe da ngay dejay nga kasla nga debit card tapnu usaren da to purchase fuel(Not only PUJ but including taxi, PUB or Public Utility Bus, minibus, UV express, tourist trans, and TNVS but they cannot withdraw the amount. They have to go to a participating gasoline station, and swipe the card to purchase fuel)," Sobremonte explained.

In   line with this, she again called on the 2021 fuel subsidy beneficiaries to claim their subsidy cards at the Land Bank of the Philippines-Baguio along Marcos Highway. Many she said   have not yet claimed their cards.

According to Sobremonte, the subsidy is worth P7, 200 per unit and can be of great help especially in purchasing oil.

Meanwhile, Sobremonte disclosed that the Libreng Sakay program for healthcare workers   and authorized persons outside residence  will resume hopefully soon, just awaiting for  the  downloading  by the  DBM of the  budget to the Department of Transportation.

Under the said program, public utility vehicle drivers and operators will receive performance-based incentives weekly based on the number of trips made per week, whether they have a passenger or not.

The program aims not only to financially support the transport workers, but also to ensure efficient and safe operations of public transportation, and to help healthcare workers and APORs. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)