CONG POGI TO GIVE ₱2M RICE AID TO PAMPANGA PUV DRIVERS

More than 19,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Pampanga’s First District are set to receive rice assistance from Rep. Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin Jr..

The lawmaker will donate five kilos of rice each to 19,629 drivers, benefiting 17,074 members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) and 2,555 members of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations (JODA). The assistance, valued at ₱2 million, will be sourced through Biotop Philippines Agriculture Company, Inc., a family-owned firm.

Distribution is scheduled to begin in the first week of May 2026, with Lazatin and his team set to visit terminals across Angeles City, Mabalacat City, and the Municipality of Magalang.

Lazatin said the initiative aims to ease the burden on drivers who continue to face rising fuel costs.

“Napakahalaga ng papel na ginagampanan ng mga driver sa ating ekonomiya, ngunit ramdam nila ang bigat ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo. Nais nating makatulong kahit sa maliit na paraan,” he said.

The rice distribution continues a long-standing practice of Lazatin, who has regularly extended similar assistance to transport workers since his time as mayor of Angeles City.

Data from the Department of Energy showed that fuel prices have significantly increased in recent months, with diesel prices rising by as much as 50 percent and gasoline prices climbing between 34 to 43 percent from February 24 to March 30, 2026.

The rising fuel costs have placed additional strain on drivers, prompting efforts from both government and private sectors to provide relief.