Drivers of public utility vehicles in Ilocos Norte continue to get three-in-one assistance from the provincial government to help them recover in these trying times.

Launched in October last year, each beneficiary of the Ilocos Norte government’s Pantawid Pasada program is entitled to get a fuel voucher worth PHP1,000, accident insurance, and PHP 3,000 cash assistance.

Reylito Gonzales, president of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association in Currimao town with 236 active members, said Thursday they are thankful the government is reaching out to them to extend a helping hand.

Gonzales’ group is among the over 18,000 tricycle and jeepney drivers in the province that continue to provide public transport amid a global health crisis and surging prices of fuel.

“We are thankful that our governor listens and does something to help us in this crisis,” he said.

With an initial budget of PHP20 million, the fuel subsidies are given to all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators who are affiliated with the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) which is currently implementing the Pantawid Pasada program of the provincial government even before the surge of oil prices.

The program is being supported by participating gas stations that supply each tricycle and jeepney driver with PHP1,000 and PHP1,500 worth of gasoline, respectively.

To date, almost all the towns and cities of the province have already reached out, according to MINC.

The latest batch includes drivers and operators from the towns of Currimao, Bangui, Bacarra, Burgos, Marcos, Dingras, and Laoag City.

Meanwhile, the MINC card with accident insurance is valid for a year. The bearer of the card is entitled to health and medical insurance of up to PHP50,000 coverage, as well as a gas voucher.

Driver-beneficiaries will get an 8 percent to 10-percent discount on purchases at partner drugstores.

“We developed this program in consideration of the risk that they (drivers) encounter every day on their operations in transporting the riding public,” said lawyer Athena Nicolette Pilar, administrative officer V of MINC. (PNA)