Manila, April 18 -- Some 8,000 farmers, fisherfolk and tricycle drivers from two towns in La Union received cash assistance from their local governments as part of the fuel subsidy program to help cushion the impact of the oil price hike among vulnerable sectors.

In Agoo, a total of 3,012 registered farmers and 1,600 members of tricycle operators' and drivers' associations received financial assistance of PHP1,000 each.

"The subsidy program was made possible after the special session of the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council), which resulted in the cancellation of selected activities of the Agoo Dinengdeng Festival and the town's patronal fiesta, allowing funds to be realigned for the assistance program," the provincial government ...