A shift in fuel distribution is taking shape at the barangay level as Cebu City rolls out a card-based system to manage rising fuel costs.
The Cebu City Government has begun distributing fuel fleet cards to barangays as part of its fuel assistance program, with officials outlining how village leaders can access the benefit.
Mayor Nestor Archival led the initial rollout on Friday, April 17, at the office of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC), where barangay officials signed acknowledgment and agreement forms required to receive their allocations.
The move comes as the city adjusts its fuel strategy following price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Barangay officials who were unable to attend the initial distribution may still claim their fuel fleet cards at the ABC office, organizers said.
To receive the assistance, barangays must proceed to the ABC office, sign the acknowledgment and agreement form, and claim their assigned fleet card.
Only 40 barangays attended the initial rollout, with the remaining villages expected to claim their allocations separately.
The fleet cards will be used to purchase fuel for essential operations, including transportation, emergency response, and frontline services.
Under the program, each fuel allocation is valid for one month, from April 17 to May 17, 2026, or until the assigned fuel credits are fully used.
Allocation levels were set by the Office of the Mayor in coordination with the Liga ng mga Barangay, based on operational needs.
The program also includes a renewal option, subject to evaluation and prevailing fuel prices.
The rollout forms part of a broader shift in the city’s fuel management approach.
The Cebu City Government earlier discontinued direct fuel allocations for barangay vehicles starting April, citing pressure on its P245 million fuel budget amid rising global oil prices.
Diesel prices have reached around P100 per liter and may increase further, according to the mayor.
In February, the city provided P500,000 in financial assistance to each of its 80 barangays to support a transition to a self-service system, allowing local governments to procure their own fuel.
City Hall has since reserved its remaining direct fuel supply for critical services, including garbage collection, ambulances, fire response, and police operations. (LLP)
Photo by Kaiser Jan Fuentes
Comments