Ilocos Norte revives ‘Libreng Sakay’ program

By Freddie Lazaro

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has revived the “Libreng Sakay’’ (free ride) program for residents from the marginalized sector this year.
    Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc said this provincial government program will be strengthened in collaboration with the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) and the Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association.
    “This is to serve residents belonging to the marginalized sector and other residents who need transportation services,” Manotoc said.
    “Alam po natin na, especially dahil po sa inflation ay tumataas ang presyo at mas mahirap ang buhay and to make ends meet (We know that because of inflation, prices increased and making both ends meet became more difficult). Kaya nandito po kami bilang buffer, kumbaga tulong ninyo to make sure na talagang kaya po ninyo ang mga daily needs po ninyo (We are here to assist you in making both ends meet),” Manotoc added.
    On Wednesday, Jan. 11, the MINC distributed free ride stubs at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena here to 780 indigent students, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from this city and the municipalities of San Nicolas, Bacarra, and Sarrat.
    Each recipient received 10 stubs worth a total of P500.
    The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Lilian Caliva Rin selected the recipients with the help of social welfare offices from the local government units.
    One of the beneficiaries, Neil Villaruel, a Mariano Marcos State University student, thanked Manotoc for reviving the program.
    Manotoc started the program in 2020 to provide free transport services to medical workers, bank employees, grocery store employees, and other front liners during the height of the pandemic.
    Under the “Pantawid Pasada” program in 2021, all tricycle and jeepney drivers, including operators, who are members of MINC received gas vouchers to ferry residents of Ilocos Norte. These were redeemed at participating gas stations in the province.
    The Libreng Sakay program ended in July last year after the government’s service contracting program ended.