Due to insistent public demand, the province of Ilocos Norte through its Metro Ilocos Norte Council is bringing back its “Libreng Sakay” program in partnership with public utility vehicle operators and drivers.

Althea Nicolette Pilar, project head of the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), said Wednesday the program will be rolled out anytime soon as they have prepared stubs worth PHP50 each to be distributed to eligible indigent students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“As of the moment, the program has a budget of PHP1.5 million and it is expected to benefit 3,000 selected individuals,” said Pilar, adding that the resumption of the Libreng Sakay program is meant to lighten the burden of the riding public particularly students, PWDs, and senior citizens.

It is also a way of helping drivers as they get a share in the stub when they collect it from passengers. According to Pilar, all accredited MINC members have agreed to provide “free rides” to whoever has a stub issued by MINC.

Under the program mechanics, the stubs with the corresponding amounts will be collected by the drivers or conductors and can be encashed with the Ilocos Norte government.

Meanwhile, the MINC will continue to assist public utility vehicles to cushion the impact of oil price hikes. Previously, all the MINC-accredited 1,295 jeepney operators and drivers, 13,394 trike drivers, and 24 taxi drivers were given fuel subsidies.

Aside from that, they will be covered by life and medical insurance, including burial assistance when they met an accident while at work. (PNA)