CAPAS, Tarlac — “We want to protect both commuters and drivers from the worst effects of the fuel crisis.”
Thus, Mayor Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez predicated the targeted interventions of the local government here to keep public transport running while channeling rising local revenues into long-term education investments.
In an interview on the newscast Political Nightly in Bilyonaryo News Channel, Rodriguez said the municipal government is set to roll out a subsidy scheme for commuters and jeepney drivers if diesel costs spike further. The plan includes fare discount stubs for passengers and per-trip incentives for drivers to prevent transport disruptions.
Rodriguez noted that the contingency plan complements existing conservation measures, including a four-day workweek and fuel monitoring, that have substantially reduced municipal fuel spending.
This, even as the LGU is leveraging stronger fiscal performance—P198 million in first-quarter collections—to fund a proposed local community college aimed to expand access to higher education while maintaining standards through admission screening and compliance with national regulations.
Rodriguez said the twin strategy reflects his administration’s approach: short-term relief for residents alongside long-term investments in human capital.
“We address immediate needs, but we also prepare for the future,” the mayor said. Photo: Capas PIO
