Agusan
Norte’s ‘Libreng Sakay’ program eases transport burden amid fuel crisis
By
Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN
CITY (PIA) — Thousands of commuters and public
transport drivers are benefitting from the provincial government’s ‘Libreng
Sakay’ (free ride) program, which is being implemented across Agusan del Norte,
providing much-needed relief amid rising fuel prices driven by ongoing global
tensions.
The
initiative delivers immediate assistance to daily commuters, particularly
workers, students, and low-income families, by significantly reducing
transportation expenses. It also supports drivers and operators through
government subsidies that help sustain their livelihood despite continued fuel
price volatility.
“This
is a practical intervention that directly helps both our commuters and the
transport sector. We want to make sure that no Agusanon is left behind during
this challenging time,” said Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M.
Amante.
Among
the beneficiaries is Anabel, a state university student from Buenavista, who
said the program eases her daily financial burden.
“The
Libreng Sakay is a big help for me because my school is far, and transportation
costs are high. This really eases my daily expenses going to school,” she said.
Amy,
a mother of three and a private employee from the same town, echoed the same
relief. “This is a big relief for my daily expenses. The Libreng Sakay program
helps me save on transportation costs going to work and back home.”
The
program is strictly implemented within Agusan del Norte, covering only its
component city and municipalities. It ensures continued income for transport
operators, including tricycle, ‘bao-bao’ (a three-wheeled vehicle), multicab,
and motorcycle drivers who are properly identified, accredited, and contracted
by local government units (LGUs). Only qualified and registered operators are
allowed to participate to ensure safety, accountability, and orderly
implementation.
“We
must safeguard our drivers and passengers while taking practical steps to
support our families during this challenging period,” said Agusan del Norte
Congressional Representative Dale B. Corvera, emphasizing unified government
action.
The
Libreng Sakay program was launched on Monday, April 13, following the approval
of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 148-2026, authored by Vice Governor
Enrico R. Corvera, as a direct response to rising fuel costs linked to global
developments.
With
an initial budget of P44 million, equally shared by the provincial government
and LGUs, the program is set to run for one to two months, with possible
extension depending on global oil price movements.
It
is a joint initiative of the provincial government, the congressional district
office, and the 11 LGUs within Agusan del Norte, covering Cabadbaran City and
the municipalities of Buenavista, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves,
Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago, and Tubay.
The
program operates during peak hours, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m., ensuring accessibility for commuters going to work and school. In
Cabadbaran City and Buenavista, at least 30 tricycles have been deployed, with
similar arrangements implemented across other LGUs in Agusan del Norte.
Initial
implementation showed a strong public reception. In Buenavista alone, around
600 commuters benefited during the launch, with expanded routes further
improving mobility across communities in Agusan del Norte.
Buenavista
Mayor Joselito T. Roble underscored the importance of collaboration in
sustaining the initiative. “This program not only helps ease the burden of
commuters but also supports our transport operators through subsidies from the
LGU. It is a shared effort to ensure that our people continue to have access to
affordable transportation.”
To
ensure smooth implementation throughout the program duration, the provincial
government is encouraging the public to report any concerns encountered during
the program. Reports may be submitted through the official Facebook page of the
province of Agusan del Norte, including complete details such as location,
time, route, vehicle type, and other identifying information if available.
The
provincial government assured that all reports will be treated with strict
confidentiality. “We value the cooperation of our constituents in helping us
ensure the proper and effective implementation of the Libreng Sakay program.
Your feedback will help us improve and better serve the public.”
The
initiative also aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to
provide timely assistance to sectors affected by fuel price increases. In
support, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun
distributing P5,000 cash assistance to qualified transport operators and
drivers.
Through
coordinated efforts, the Libreng Sakay demonstrates how local governance in
Agusan del Norte, alone, can proactively respond to economic challenges,
delivering immediate relief, sustaining livelihoods, and ensuring accessible
public transport for all Agusanons. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte
