Ilocos Norte is seeking the resumption of the “Libreng Sakay” program of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to cushion the impact of oil price hikes on both drivers and commuters.

Althea Nicolette Pilar, project head of the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), said Thursday that the provincial government has requested the LTFRB to resume giving free rides in the province after it ended in July.

Under the “Libreng Sakay” program, public utility vehicle operators and drivers participating in the government’s free ridership program will receive a one-time payout and weekly payments based on the number of kilometers traveled per week, whether they have passengers or not.

“We are working on the possible revival of the ‘Libreng Sakay’ program but we have yet to finalize the mechanics,” Pilar said in an interview.

She said some students of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University had even personally requested Governor Matthew Marcos to revive the “Libreng Sakay” program to help students like them who are reeling from the effects of the pandemic.

To aid jeepney and tricycle drivers from the skyrocketing fuel prices, the Ilocos Norte government has allocated about PHP54 million in fuel subsidy to benefit about 15,000 public utility vehicles in the 21 towns and two cities in the province.

“Over the last two weeks, we have already distributed a total of PHP34 million so far under the fuel subsidy program,” Pilar said, adding that each beneficiary for the second tranche of the program is entitled to a PHP4,000 cash assistance.

The MINC is again scheduled next week to distribute fuel subsidies to underserved communities. (PNA)