13/04/2026
ICYMI: The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) has launched a month-long free public transport program aimed at easing the impact of rising fuel prices and supporting daily commuters and transport workers.
The โLibreng Sakayโ initiative, implemented through the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), provides free weekday rides for workers, students, and other residents across identified routes in the province this April.
Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos said the program is part of the provincial governmentโs effort to cushion the effects of inflation and maintain public mobility.
The initiative partners with 10 jeepney operators and driversโ associations and two provincial buses, offering three morning and three afternoon trips to accommodate peak commuting hours.
Trip schedules are posted on the official social media pages of PGIN and MINC, with seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For commuters like Kylene Lista from Pasuquin, the program has provided immediate financial relief.
โAs a commuter, the free ride is such a big help, as it allows me to save on my daily expenses,โ she said.
Beyond commuter savings, the provincial government also emphasized that the program helps sustain transport operatorsโ participation, ensuring drivers continue to earn while public mobility is maintained.
Officials said the initiative reflects a continuing commitment to responsive governance amid rising economic pressures.
This initiative may serve as a model for localized transport support programs in other provinces facing similar fuel-driven inflation challenges.
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