By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Administrator Mark Mayo said the local government is considering extending the “Libre Sakay Program” beyond its initial run, depending on an internal assessment of its effectiveness.
The city government rolled out the free ride initiative on Monday, March 23, to assist commuters affected by transport disruptions and rising fuel costs.
Libre Sakay provides free and organized transportation along major routes across the city, covering northern, southern and southeastern areas.
“We will evaluate if there is a need to continue the Libre Sakay even without a [transport] strike, especially as one of our main objectives is to ease the financial burden of the public amid rising fuel and fare costs,” Mayo said.
The program aims to ease the financial strain on daily commuters, particularly workers who rely heavily on public transport.
Mayor Greg Gasataya underscored the city’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by commuters and transport workers alike, noting that transportation issues have a direct impact on residents’ daily expenses and livelihoods.
Gasataya added that the city government is coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to determine further interventions and ensure sustained support if needed.
Beneficiaries of the program welcomed the initiative, citing immediate relief from transportation expenses.
Jerylyn Calvo, a resident of Barangay Mandalagan, said the free rides allowed commuters to save money while still reaching their destinations through well-organized routes.
Assistance
In parallel, the city is also working with national agencies to extend assistance to drivers affected by the situation.
Initial aid is expected to come from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while fuel subsidies are set to be released once approved by the LTFRB.
Local officials said the city is preparing additional forms of support and will continue coordinating with relevant agencies to address both commuter and transport sector concerns.
The city government said it will closely monitor the situation and determine whether further measures, including the extension of the Libre Sakay Program, are necessary in the coming days./CJ, WDJ