Mayor Greg Gasataya met with leaders and representatives from traditional jeepney drivers and operators, as well as tricycle and taxi associations, who are seeking assistance. The group is asking for support from the local government and for cash aid from the national government, amid rising fuel prices, the suspension of fare hikes, and impacts from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Of the 380 eligible beneficiaries for cash assistance, 240 have qualified for aid from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The transport group has coordinated with the city to help an additional 140 members not included in the official national recipient list. Mayor Gasataya noted that an ongoing transport strike would impact daily commuters. To mitigate this, the city implemented the Libre Sakay program to ease transportation challenges for the public.   “From our end, we will discuss and meet with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to find possible solutions to their issues,”  the mayor said as he reaffirmed the city’s commitment to addressing the transport group’s concerns. The city is also working with relevant agencies to facilitate cash aid assistance from the national government. Rudy Catedral, President of Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators, and Drivers Inc.-Manibela, expressed gratitude to Mayor Gasataya’s administration, highlighting that the mayor is supportive, which reflects good governance and strong leadership. “We are thankful to Mayor Greg Gasataya’s administration for taking the time to listen and talk to us; it only shows good governance,” Rudy Catedral said. He added that the city is ready to assist their group within its capacity.  Earlier today, a number of jeepney and taxi drivers and operators staged a silent protest at the BCGC following a transport strike. The action was part of their plea for the immediate release of fuel subsidies and the implementation of oil price controls. (Bacolod City Communications Office)