Tagbilaran City launches free 

bus rides amid rising fuel costs

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Tagbilaran City government has launched its “Libreng Sakay” program, offering free rides to lessen the impact of rising fuel prices.

The initiative deploys city buses daily, primarily serving workers and students who depend heavily on public transport.

The program operates Monday through Saturday, with three coasters moving commuters during peak hours — 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Three designated routes — from Barangays Manga, Cabawan, and Bool — connect commuters to key areas in the city and back, using the same drop-off and pick-up points for each barangay.

Mayor Jane Yap said the program is designed as an immediate response to ease commuters’ financial burden while improving access to reliable transportation. She added that it is part of the city’s concrete actions to address constituents’ needs.

“Dili ni pang promisa lang, kini konkretong aksyon aron matabangan ang atong mga commuters sa panahon sa kalisod (This is not just a promise, this is concrete action to help our commuters during this difficult time),” Yap said.

The Libreng Sakay rollout aligns with Executive Order 110, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on March 24, which declared a state of national energy emergency and directed LGUs to undertake measures within their jurisdictions to complement national policies and mitigate the impact of the global fuel supply disruption.

The mayor also revealed plans to expand the program by partnering with jeepney and multicab drivers through a subsidy scheme, pending approval of the necessary ordinance.

“Sa atong mga drivers, kauban nato ani. Dili ni kompetensya, kundi partnership aron mas mapalapad ang serbisyo ug masiguro nga naa gihapon moy kita ug suporta gikan sa atong gobyerno,” Yap added.

(To our drivers who are here with us. This is not a competition, but a partnership to further expand the service and ensure that you still have income and support from our government.)

Commuters welcome the initiative

Commuters said the program helps ease their daily expenses amid rising fuel costs.

“Daku gyud kaayo og help kay mas maka tipid kog kwarta kay di na ko maghuna-huna sa plite (It really helps a lot because I can save more money because I don’t have to worry about the fare),” said Mary Gloriel Sale, a second-year Social Work student at a university in the province.

Sale said she normally spends P85 a day on fare, as her school is in the next municipality. With the Libreng Sakay, she can now ride for free from her home to Barangay Manga, where a school-provided shuttle takes students the rest of the way.

Aiba Cajes of Tagbilaran City said she hopes the program continues, calling it a significant relief for commuters.

The program reflects the city government’s commitment to inclusive, people-centered governance and ensuring residents have access to essential transport services. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Commuters board the Tagbilaran City government’s “Libreng Sakay” bus, a free transport service open to all riders along designated routes. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)