By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved on Tuesday, Aug.9, P1.4 billion in funds to cover the extended implementation of “Libreng Sakay” for the resumption of face-to-face classes this month according to a mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and the Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) to address the needs of public utility vehicles for students and the labor force.
Pangandaman said that the additional fund was to support the Chief Executive’s order in extending the free rides program of the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
“Ito pong paglagak ng additional funds ay suporta natin sa hangad ni President Marcos na i-extend ang programang ‘Libreng Sakay’ ng Department of Transportation at ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board hanggang Disyembre,” she said.
Pangandaman added that the extension of “Libreng Sakay” program will benefit all commuters and students set to support up to 50 million ridership as well as the livelihood of bus drivers that were affected by the pandemic and fuel price increase.
“Malaking tulong at ginhawa po ang Libreng Sakay sa bulsa ng mga commuter, lalo na para sa mga estudyante at mga kabilang sa labor force. This will support up to 50 million ridership from September 1 until December 31,” she explained.
“Magiging malaking tulong po ito sa mga kabuhayan ng mga driver ng EDSA Busway na hanggang ngayon ay bumabangon mula sa epekto ng pandemya, at apektado sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina,” she added.
The Service Contracting Program was set to end on July 31, but was extended by President Marcos until December this year. -(PR) bny
