CEBU, PHILIPPINES — As fuel prices continue to climb, the Cebu provincial government, with funds from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), will be rolling out a P20-million free-ride (libreng sakay) program, to provide immediate relief to commuters across the province, pending finalization of the program guidelines.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro on Wednesday said the Capitol is expediting the finalization of guidelines for the “libreng sakay” initiative, which will prioritize major routes connecting northern and southern towns to Cebu City.
The program, funded by the DOTr, is part of a broader effort to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on the public, alongside planned fuel and rice subsidies.
Baricuatro said provincial officials have already convened to discuss the program’s mechanics and have coordinated with national agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“Timing kaayo because we applied for this, I think a few weeks ago … So really in time sa fuel crisis now at least makatabang ‘ta sa katawhan sa probinsya,” she said.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces confirmed that the province has already received the P20 million allocation from the DOTr to jumpstart the initiative.
Empaces said the free-ride program is expected to cover key inter-city routes, particularly from Danao City in the north and Carcar City in the south going to Cebu City.
He noted that the number of buses to be deployed has yet to be finalized, pending the presentation and approval of the proposal by the governor.
“We just don’t know kung pila ka bus, depende. So mag-present pa ‘mi ni Gov sa ato’ng proposal ‘ana and then, she will discuss, and once okay na, i-announce na ni Gov ang rollout ana nga program,” Empaces said.
While funding has been secured, Empaces said the Capitol is still ironing out operational details such as bus deployment, trip schedules, and coordination with private bus operators.
Baricuatro said the program will be implemented as soon as the guidelines are completed and approved.
She added that the provincial government is currently in talks with potential partner bus companies, although agreements have yet to be finalized.
Despite concerns that the program may affect existing transport operators, the governor emphasized that the initiative is intended to supplement current services rather than compete with them. “I don’t think it will affect them. If naa man, it will augment,” she said.
Baricuatro explained that buses under the program will operate on fixed schedules, departing at set times regardless of passenger volume. “Naa’y timetable. Kinahanglan mo-depart siya at a certain time, with or without pasahero,” she added.
Empaces said the free-ride program could also serve as a feeder system for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) once it becomes operational.
He explained that commuters from areas such as Carcar may use the free buses to connect to the BRT system, reducing their transportation costs.
In addition to the Libreng Sakay, the provincial government is also crafting guidelines for fuel and rice subsidy programs that will be implemented, using a sector-based approach.
Baricuatro said details of these assistance programs will be announced once the guidelines are finalized. She added that the province is coordinating with the National Food Authority (NFA) for the possible distribution of 20 kilos of rice per beneficiary.
Empaces said the Capitol is ensuring that local interventions will complement, rather than duplicate, existing national government programs.
He added that informal transport workers, including habal-habal drivers, are among the sectors being considered for inclusion in the assistance programs.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa, Staff Member Hannah Gresha Abayon, UP-Cebu intern/RAE
