By Gabriela Baron
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday, July 1, approved the extension of Libreng Sakay in EDSA Bus Carousel and free rides for students in Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3), Light Rail Transit-2 (LRT-2), and Philippine National Railways (PNR).
“Considering the availability of budget for Service Contracting under GA 2022, the undersigned recommends the continuation of the Libreng Sakay Program for all passengers of the ESDA Bus Carousel,” a portion of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) memo read.
DOTr said the move is seen to “ease the burden of rising living expenses on Filipino families and help them save money” amid the skyrocketing prices of fuel and basic commodities.
Meanwhile, students may also avail of the free rides in MRT-3, LRT-2, and PNR as face-to-face classes slowly return after over two years.
Citing Department of Education data, DOTr estimated that more than 38,000 schools in the country are already set for the resumption of face-to-face classes for the school year 2022-2023.
“Considering the welfare of students, however, whose learning outcomes have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, the undersigned recommends implementing a Libreng Sakay for Students Program for the First Quarter of School Year 2022-2023, or from August 2022 to 04 November,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
The extended free EDSA Carousel bus rides will last until December. – ngs
