by Eva Visperas
RESIDENTS of Sto. Tomas, Pangasinan can expect relief from rising fuel costs after local officials passed a resolution urging gasoline stations to extend fuel discounts for key community sectors.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Sangguniang Bayan of Sto. Tomas, led by Vice Mayor Timoteo Villar III, approved by Mayor Dickerson Villar. Resolution No. 54, Series of 2026 calls on fuel suppliers operating within the municipality to provide discounts to farmers and tricycle drivers, sectors seen as vital to the town’s economy and daily mobility.
Local officials described the measure as an urgent response to the continued rise in fuel prices, emphasizing the need to ease financial pressure on workers who depend heavily on fuel for their livelihood.
One business has already stepped forward. RS Fuel Station, led by Dr. Rey Soniega and family, pledged to extend fuel discounts in support of the resolution. The gesture was praised by the local government as a strong example of community cooperation and bayanihan.
Officials expressed gratitude to participating businesses and encouraged other fuel suppliers to follow suit, highlighting the program as a united effort to support farmers, drivers, and the broader Sto. Tomas community.