Balibago’s ‘Fuel-First, Pay-Later’ Program to help trike drivers, families
Balibago Barangay Captain Joseph Ponce pushes ‘Fuel-First, Pay-Later’ Program.
By Joey Pavia
ANGELES CITY — “This is a long-term solution. It is meant to help not just tricycle drivers but their families as well amid the global oil
crisis.”
Thus said Barangay Balibago Chairman Joseph “PG” Ponce shortly after the signing of the Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 30 for the “Fuel-First, Pay-Later Economic Relief Program” in Barangay Balibago.
The program is expected to help more than 2,000 members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) operating in
Balibago, regarded as the city’s business center.
“In this program, tricycle drivers will be able to feed their families daily and provide for their basic needs without worrying too much,” Ponce said in an interview.
Present during the signing of the MOA were Ponce, TODA officials, and partner fuel providers, formalizing the operational framework of the program first introduced under Resolution No. 451-S2026.
Among the signatories were the Mt. View Operators and Tricycle Drivers Association, represented by its president, Michael Castro, and Sun Fuel Gasoline Station, represented by Joyce Santos Gaza. The document was notarized by City Councilor Atty. Jeselle Dayrit.
Also present during the signing were Ponce, Kagawads Kim Timbol, Bong “Pektus” Nicdao, Grace Urbano David, and Arnold Ibay, along with Barangay Secretary Allan Endozo.
The signing marks the latest development of an earlier initiative by Ponce aimed at cushioning transport workers from the continued surge
in fuel prices amid the war in the Middle East.
Under the MOA, participating fuel providers, including Sun Fuel Gas Station and Central Fuel Gas Station, will extend fuel on credit to
accredited TODA members through a controlled purchase order (P.O.) system. Fuel will only be dispensed upon presentation of signed P.O.s
issued by TODAs, which will be collected by the stations for daily monitoring and billing.
TODA organizations will assume full responsibility for fuel availed of by their members, with payments due in full by 8:00 p.m. the following day.
