MORE than ₱16 million in food assistance, transport subsidies, and fuel aid has already been circulated through Tagbilaran City’s local economy as part of the city government’s broader ₱40.35-million Energy Crisis Social Protection Package, in a data released by the City Government of Tagbilaran.
The social protection package was designed to provide immediate relief to residents affected by rising fuel prices and inflation while simultaneously stimulating local economic activity through direct spending and subsidy interventions.
Under the city’s economic response measures, ₱8,499,200 was disbursed through “Kompra Sa Tagbi” food assistance vouchers, while another ₱1,506,090 was allocated for the “Libreng Sakay” program as of May 13, 2026.
Both programs are still on-going and figures will continue to rise as more Tagbilaranon will use their food vouchers and avail themselves of the free rides.
The city government also distributed nearly ₱6 million in fuel subsidies to qualified tricycle drivers in Tagbilaran City, with each beneficiary receiving ₱2,000 in assistance to help offset the impact of escalating fuel costs on public transportation operations.
Combined, the interventions resulted in over ₱16 million directly injected into the local economy, benefiting households, commuters, transport workers, small vendors, and participating businesses.
Data further showed that 64,222 food vouchers were utilized by residents for the purchase of essential commodities between April 28 and May 13, 2026.
Participating vendors encashed 42,496 vouchers, reflecting strong circulation of funds within the city’s market network and helping sustain small businesses amid inflationary pressures.
Meanwhile, transport assistance records indicated that 83,778 passengers benefited from the city’s mobility support program from April 13 to May 12, 2026, with a total of 4,933 trips completed during the period.
Mayor Jane Yap said the city government intentionally designed the assistance package to ensure that funds would circulate directly within the local economy while providing immediate relief to affected sectors.
“This is more than a subsidy program. It is an economic protection strategy intended to help families cope with rising costs while simultaneously supporting our local businesses, transport sector, and economy,” Mayor Yap said.
The City Government of Tagbilaran City added that the programs were structured not only as emergency relief mechanisms but also as economic stimulus measures intended to preserve consumer spending, stabilize transportation services, and sustain livelihood activities during the energy crisis.
