The “Libreng Sakay” (free ride) program in the various municipalities and the lone city of Agusan del Norte formally started Monday to ease the burden on residents amid rising fuel prices and transportation costs.

“This is a local initiative of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, the congressional district office, the city of Cabadbaran, and the 10 municipalities of Agusan del Norte,” Agusan del Norte Rep. Dale Corvera told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.

Corvera added that the program will run for two months, covering Cabadbaran City and the towns of Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago, Tubay, Magallanes, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Buenavista, Nasipit, Carmen, and Las Nieves.

The free rides operate from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and resume from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., though schedules vary slightly across different towns.

Local government units (LGUs) have enlisted tricycle and multicab drivers from legitimate local organizations to participate on scheduled days. Drivers must record the number of passengers served, with LGU personnel assigned to terminals to verify the listings.

Participating tricycle drivers receive a daily allocation of PHP600, while multicab drivers receive PHP1,000. These payments include allocations for fuel costs.

Corvera’s office facilitated the PHP44 million funding for the initiative, while the provincial government, led by Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, set aside PHP22 million.

Teddy, 49, a mechanic from Buenavista, said the program provides significant relief.

“It’s a big help for me. Usually, I spend PHP30 to PHP50 for a tricycle fare when going to the market and other areas in our town,” he said, noting the savings will go toward his family’s other needs.

Drivers also welcomed the steady pay. Celso, 32, a multicab driver, noted that the program ensures a fixed income despite fluctuating fuel prices.

“Both the drivers and the riding public benefit from this program. I get a sure income after a day, while the riding public saves money,” he said. (PNA)