THE Laguna provincial government provides ‘Libreng Sakay’ from Monday to Wednesday. (Photo via Danny Estacio)
SANTA CRUZ, Laguna – Gov. Sol Aragones launched a “Libreng Sakay” or free ride program to ensure uninterrupted mobility for commuters during a transport strike in the province due to high gasoline prices from Monday, April 12, to Wednesday, April 15.
The program serves Los Baños, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Majayjay, Liliw, Magdalena, Famy, Paete, Kalayaan, Lumban, and Pagsanjan. Designated pickup points are Olivarez Los Baños, Bay Arch, Bay District Hospital, Victoria Itik Park, Pila Junction, Pagsawitan, and Santa Cruz Municipal Hall.
Local government units, transport groups, and private firms are also providing free ride programs in Duhat, Pagsawitan, Oogong, Pagsanjan, Magdalena, Santa Cruz, Liliw, Biñan, and Majayjay.
Jeepney drivers and operators plying Santa Cruz and Lumban routes are rotating five jeepneys daily to sustain limited operations, ease the impact of fuel-related challenges, and avoid a full shutdown of routes.
They said that the system complies with orders from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) which has warned of sanctions, including possible franchise cancellation, for Public Utility Vehicles joining transport strikes.