CEBU CITY — Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally handed fuel subsidies and food packs to 871 habal‑habal drivers in the southern towns of Sibonga and San Fernando on July 29, 2026. The simultaneous distributions brought direct relief to informal transport workers who serve as lifelines in the province’s rugged interior.
A Morning of Gratitude in Sibonga
The first stop was Sibonga, where 644 drivers gathered at the municipal grounds. Each received ₱3,000 in cash assistance and a 10‑kilogram sack of rice under the national “Bigay Bigas Para sa Masa” program. The atmosphere shifted from quiet anticipation to warm smiles as names were called and envelopes handed over.
Governor Baricuatro thanked the drivers for their tireless service, acknowledging that they navigate rough mountain roads in all weather. She assured them that the Capitol sees their sacrifices and will continue to extend a helping hand. Her words drew nods and applause from a crowd that rarely hears such direct appreciation.
Farming Support and Veterinary Care
Beyond fuel aid, the Capitol turned over a walking‑type tractor with full implements to local farming groups in Sibonga. Assorted vegetable and fruit tree seedlings were also distributed, along with livestock vaccines and veterinary supplies. These contributions target the agricultural backbone of the community, ensuring that farmers and livestock raisers share in the province’s support.
The tractor will help till fields that were previously prepared by hand, reducing labor and increasing yield. The seedlings, once planted, will provide a source of nutrition and potential income for families. Veterinarians on site demonstrated how to administer the vaccines, empowering local raisers to protect their animals from common diseases.
San Fernando’s Turn to Receive
The provincial delegation then proceeded to neighboring San Fernando, where 227 drivers and community members received identical assistance. The distribution mirrored the morning’s format, with cash, rice, agricultural inputs, and veterinary supplies handed over efficiently. San Fernando’s remote barangays depend heavily on habal‑habal drivers for transport, making the fuel subsidy particularly meaningful.
Mayor Mytha Canoy welcomed Governor Baricuatro with heartfelt thanks, emphasizing the drivers’ role in connecting isolated sitios to markets and schools. She noted that their work often goes unnoticed, yet they are the backbone of the local economy. The governor’s visit, she said, validated their importance and lifted community spirits.
Community Investments Beyond Aid
Governor Baricuatro also handed a ₱3‑million check to Sibonga Vice Mayor Mariano “Dotis” Laude to support the town’s upcoming fiesta celebration. The funds will help preserve cultural traditions while stimulating local commerce. In San Fernando, she pledged to donate industrial fans for the Barangay Sangat gymnasium, improving ventilation during community gatherings.
These additional commitments show that the Capitol’s assistance extends beyond immediate relief. Investing in cultural events and public infrastructure builds long‑term community resilience. Residents left the events with a sense that the provincial government is a partner in both their daily struggles and their celebrations.
