The Malabon City local government announced on Friday, March
3, the implementation of "Libreng Sakay" or free rides for commuters
in the city for the weeklong transport strike set on March 6 to 11.
At least 40,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers are expected to join the weeklong protest against the jeepney modernization program of the national government.
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO) will deploy 12 vehicles composed of trucks
and buses that will ply routes from Sangandaan to Tatawid; Malabon to Bayan and Monumento; Malabon to Acacia and Monumento; and Gasak to Letre.
Free rides will start at 5 a.m. on Monday.
The local government also recommends that institutions and corporations conduct a skeletal workforce or rotating assignment to reduce commuters during the weeklong strike.
Meanwhile, the city government also declared the implementation of online or modular learning methods at all levels of public and private schools in the city starting on Monday.
"Ito ay karagdagang hakbang na isasagawa ng ating Lokal na Pamahalaan para sa ating ligtas at maayos na paglalakbay ngayong Tigil Pasada (This is another step of the local government for a safe and orderly travel during the strike)," the local government said in a Facebook post on Saturday, March 4.
The city government said the decision to implement the alternative learning method was made after a consultation with the Malabon Department of Education (DepEd).