Ilocos Norte rolls out “Pantawid Pasada Program”
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), started implementing its “Pantawid Pasada Program” on October 22, 2021, with over a hundred tricycle drivers receiving gas coupons.
The “Pantawid Pasada Program,” which has a budget of P20 million, provides gasoline subsidies to all MINC-affiliated public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators. Participating gas stations will supply each tricycle and jeepney driver with Php 1,000.00 and Php 1,500.00 worth of gasoline, respectively.
As oil prices continue to rise, putting additional strain on the transportation sector amid the pandemic, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc has stated his commitment to paying attention to the needs of public transportation.
“Maaasahan po ninyo na ito ang simula ng ayuda para sa mga PUV drivers natin. This is not the end. This is the beginning. Alam po namin na malaking bagay ang pagkawala ng face-to-face classes, walang mga estudyante. Kaya kailangang suportahan ang mga PUV drivers,” he remarked.
Governor Manotoc added that, if the budget allows, the “Pantawid Pasada Program” will receive a higher allocation for the following year to provide more assistance to public transit.
Meanwhile, the MINC Office continues to consolidate the total number of beneficiaries and collaborate with local government units to assist in the project’s implementation.
