(UPDATE) THE Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday distributed free vegetables and health services to farmers, drivers and village health workers affected by the oil crisis.
During the launch of the aid program at the DOH central office in Manila, the agency said each beneficiary would receive 15 kilograms of vegetables, 10 kilograms of rice and eggs.
DOH spokesman Undersecretary Albert Domingo said the initiative aims to alleviate the effects of rising fuel costs on vulnerable sectors, especially drivers who play a crucial role in delivering produce to urban areas.
Aside from the food assistance, the DOH said it would also offer long-term health care initiatives, including the registration of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) identification numbers to beneficiaries to ensure continued access to medical services.
“We are telling them not to go home without registering for PhilHealth. Because we can give them vegetables, rice and eggs, and that will only last for one to two weeks. But if they get sick, DOH and PhilHealth are still there,” he said.
The vegetables distributed were sourced directly from farmers in Nueva Vizcaya under Republic Act 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act.
Domingo said the program is expected to benefit over 500 individuals in Manila.
The Department of Energy (DOE), meanwhile, has launched its P10-per-liter fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers at 46 gasoline stations in Metro Manila.
The program targets drivers of passenger jeepneys and UV Express units.
Participating gasoline stations were selected along six high-density routes identified by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB): Commonwealth Avenue, Marcos Highway, Quezon Avenue–España Boulevard, A. Bonifacio Avenue (Cloverleaf–Blumentritt), Rizal Avenue and Zapote Road.
The full list of accredited stations is available in the DOE’s official communication channels.
The subsidy rollout coincided with a significant diesel price rollback of P20.89 per liter that took effect on April 14. Combined, the subsidy and fuel price drop translate to more than P30 per liter in immediate relief for drivers.
The fuel subsidy is part of the government’s response to global oil market instability following the declaration of a state of national energy emergency under Executive Order 110.
It is implemented through the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport, a multi-sector initiative designed to mitigate the effects of external economic shocks on transportation, food supply and key industries.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the program reflects the administration’s commitment to deliver timely and practical assistance.
The program is implemented through a whole-of-government approach led by the Department of Transportation and the LTFRB, in coordination with the DOE and LandBank.
PUVs validated by the LTFRB are enrolled in LandBank’s fuel subsidy platform through its mobile banking application. The P10-per-liter discount is automatically applied at participating stations.
Transactions are recorded in real time, ensuring accurate tracking of subsidy usage, monitoring of weekly balances and generation of verifiable records. Authorities say this system enhances transparency, prevents misuse and supports timely reimbursements to fuel retailers.
The DOE said it will inspect participating stations to ensure compliance and smooth implementation.
The program will be expanded nationwide, with additional routes in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to be identified by the LTFRB in phases.
Drivers seeking more information on participating stations and eligibility may contact the DOE hotline: (02) 8840-2184 or (02) 8479-2900 local 376, or email rmmscd@doe.gov.ph.
