CEBU CITY – The selection of Cebu as one of the pilot areas for the relaunching of “Love Bus” took center stage in the fourth State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 28.

Marcos said Cebu and Davao were selected as the pilot sites of the program’s relaunch, which forms part of his administration’s goal to promote accessible and sustainable urban mobility through the “Build Better More” infrastructure program.

The Love Bus was known in the 1970s as a free transport service.

“Ngayon, hindi lang natin ibabalik ang Love Bus, ito ay gagawin pa nating libre,” the President said. “Pauna pa lamang 'yung sa Davao at sa Cebu. Susundan pa ito sa iba pang lugar sa Visayas at Mindanao."

While he did not elaborate, Marcos was apparently referring to the Libreng Sakay (free ride) program launched here on July 23.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon spearheaded the launching.

Under the program, commuters will be able to avail of free rides in Cebu City’s busy 01K route from Parkmall in Mandaue City to Urgello in Cebu City.

At least 115 modern jeepney units have been tapped as part of the program that offers daily subsidies of P350,000 and a dedicated annual budget of around P150 to P160 million.

Cebu was also one of the local government units that Marcos praised for “car-free Sundays.”

Marcos encouraged more localities to implement the initiative to promote community wellness, active living, and urban sustainability.

“Magpatupad tayo ng mga Car-Free Sundays, tulad ng ginagawa sa ilang lungsod dito sa Metro Manila, sa Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, at Davao,” Marcos said.