ILOILO CITY, March 25 -- The local government here rolled out its fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicles, starting with the release of subsidies to 1,718 members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) on Wednesday.

"We implemented this assistance program amid the increasing prices of petroleum products due to the conflict in the Middle East," Mayor Raisa Trenas said in a statement.

The PHP500 Fuel Subsidy Coupon (FSC) was first released to TODA members in Arevalo, Molo, Jaro, and La Paz Districts on Wednesday, to be followed on Thursday with payout at the City Proper and Mandurriao.

Trenas said those from Arevalo, City Proper, and Jaro can redeem their coupons on March 27, and March 28 for those coming from...