LAOAG CITY – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is expanding its “Libreng Sakay” (free ride) program to include new routes and adjusted schedules to better serve workers, students, and residents this April.

In an advisory issued Wednesday, the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) announced the addition of a new route to the 12 existing major paths rolled out since April 6. The program now provides free transport from Pagudpud in the north to Badoc, the province’s southernmost town.

The new route specifically covers Burgos in the first district, offering trips to Laoag City from Mondays to Fridays on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, the Vintar-Laoag route was adjusted on April 14 to accommodate more passengers. Morning trips are scheduled for 6:30 a.m., 6:45 a.m., and 7 a.m., while afternoon trips run at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.

“There are slight adjustments to the trip schedules for the Vintar route after close coordination with the Vintar Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association to ensure that we are effectively catering to the needs of our commuters,” MINC said in a statement.

Residents welcomed the expansion. “This is good news to daily commuters like us. Thank you for your kindness,” said Xianne Gaoiran, a resident of Burgos.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos assured the public that the provincial government is working with public transport groups to ease the burden of transportation costs.

“Agan-anustayo (let us be patient),” Araneta-Marcos said, encouraging constituents to support one another during current economic challenges.

The provincial government initially tapped 10 jeepney operators’ associations and two provincial buses to offer peak-hour trips. Schedules are regularly updated on the official social media pages of the provincial government and MINC.

To further reduce costs and traffic congestion, employees at the Provincial Capitol are also practicing carpooling.

Beyond direct savings for commuters, Araneta-Marcos said the program helps sustain the livelihood of transport operators and drivers by ensuring continuous public mobility.

The municipal government of Pagudpud has postponed this year’s Kangayedan Festival in line with the national government’s call for energy conservation and fiscal prudence amid rising global oil prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The local government said the decision was made after consultations with barangay officials and other key stakeholders to allow the reallocation of public funds to more urgent community needs.

The Kangayedan Festival, an annual celebration highlighting the town’s cultural heritage and primary livelihoods such as farming and fishing, traditionally features parades, sports competitions, and cultural presentations.

The local government assured residents that the festival may be rescheduled or restructured once economic conditions improve.

Araneta-Marcos had earlier urged local government units to scale down or defer major festivities and redirect savings to programs that would directly benefit constituents.

“I have encouraged our different LGUs to trim down the number of days of their respective festivities and use the savings to help our kakailians,” she said.