Ilocos Norte transport groups get gas, diesel discounts

MANILA, Philippines —  Public utility vehicle drivers in Ilocos Norte may now enjoy six-peso per liter discount on gasoline and four-peso per liter discount on diesel through the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) of the Ilocos Norte government.

Around 2,111 tricycle and public utility jeep (PUJ) drivers were given membership cards during the 198th foundation anniversary celebration of the province held recently.

The membership cards (or MINC cards) will be used by tricycle and PUJ drivers in availing discounts when refilling (maximum of 30 liters a day) at the MINC Gas Station located in front of the Ilocos Norte Centennial arena.

The gas station was built by the provincial government in December.

The MINC was established in early 2015 as part of the province's effort to develop an integrated traffic management system, particularly in the capital city of Laoag, to solve traffic problems brought from rising number of tourists and other vehicles.

It was observation of the worsening traffic conditions in Metro Manila that necessitated the action, according to Gov. Imee Marcos.

In addition to the gas and diesel discounts, cardholders also enjoy medical benefits, namely: a 10-percent discount at all Generika pharmacies, and life insurance from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation(PhilHealth), point-of-care.

During the MINC awarding last week, Marcos recognized the importance of the transportation sector in the smooth flow of day-to-day operations in the province.

"Narito ang ating mga tricycle, pasada, at jeepney, na siyang nagbibigay ng sirkulasyon at buhay sa mganapakagandang kalsada ng ating probinsiya," she said.