Phase 2 of ‘Libreng Sakay’ program rolls out in Agusan del Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Students, workers, and other commuters in Agusan del Norte can save on transportation expenses as the provincial government and local government units (LGUs) implement the second phase of the “Libreng Sakay” program, which started on October 12 to help ease the impact of rising fuel prices.
Following its first implementation on April 13, 2026, the program returns to provide free transportation and help residents manage their daily expenses while maintaining access to education, employment, essential services, and livelihood opportunities.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for responsive government interventions to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices and the cost of living on Filipino families. In Agusan del Norte, the provincial government has allocated more than P26 million for energy emergency contingency measures, including assistance for the transport sector, farmers, fisherfolk, and their families.
The implementation of the program was agreed upon by the provincial mayors, Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, and Rep. Dale B. Corvera to help Agusanons cope with the effects of increasing petroleum prices.
The funding came from the province’s approved supplemental budget during the 59th regular session of the 20th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte to support the province’s energy emergency contingency measures.
In Buenavista, the free transportation service will run from October 12 to December 18, 2026, serving students, workers, and other commuters. Mayor Joselito T. Roble met with transport groups and drivers to review their operations and discuss the implementation of the program.
Roble urged drivers to use the assistance responsibly and avoid abusing the free transportation service. Under the arrangement, motorcycle drivers will receive P725 per day, while multicab drivers will receive P1,000 per day to support their operations under the program.
The municipality has deployed 14 multicabs serving commuters traveling from the public terminal to Bancasi, Butuan City, and 60 motorized tricycles serving passengers traveling between rural barangays and the town proper.
Jessica, a student from Buenavista who studies in Butuan City, expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying that even small savings from her daily allowance make a difference.
“This is a big help to us students because even if it is just a little, I can save some money from my allowance because of the province’s Libreng Sakay program,” she said.
The designated operating hours for the multicabs and tricycles are from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Commuters are advised to board only vehicles officially marked with “Libreng Sakay” tarpaulins, as unmarked vehicles are not covered by the program.
Through the initiative, the provincial and municipal governments aim to reduce transportation expenses for commuters while helping drivers and operators cope with rising fuel costs.
The assistance is part of efforts to help farmers, fisherfolk, and sectors affected by the increasing petroleum prices. Its implementation in the city and municipalities will be announced through their respective official information channels. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)