During the afternoon operations at the dispatching station in Tagbilaran City Square on April 13, 2026, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap is shown personally checking on commuters as they board a “Libreng Sakay” multicab bound for barangay Manga, actively ensuring the smooth rollout of the city’s free ride initiative that was launched to help residents cope amid rising transport costs. (Contributed photo)

By GLORIA LEODIVICA INES ARANETA

Around 4,000 commuters a day have availed themselves of Tagbilaran City’s Libreng Sakay program since its rollout on April 13, 2026.

The free ride initiative, which covers participating jeepneys and multicabs, forms part of the city government’s ₱40.35-million Energy Crisis Social Protection Package aimed at helping families, transport drivers and fisherfolk cope with the impact of higher living costs.

Under the program, commuters are issued vouchers at designated dispatch areas and present them upon boarding.

Drivers are then reimbursed by the city government for the collected vouchers, allowing passengers to save on fares without cutting into operator income.

Mayor Jane Yap personally supervised the launch-day operations on April 13, monitoring the distribution of vouchers and the dispatch process at the Tabilaran City Square.

“Libreng Sakay is concrete help for our commuters, while also protecting the livelihood of our drivers through this program,” Yap said.

The Libreng Sakay Program service runs Monday to Friday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on a first come, first served basis.

Passengers queue at the designated area in City Square or at B. , sign an attendance sheet, receive a voucher, and hand it to the driver upon boarding.

City officials said there is no limit to the number of times a commuter may avail himself of the service, provided vouchers are secured on site and used only for the assigned trip.

The routes cover Mansasa-Bool, Habitat-Bool, Booy-Taloto-Ubujan Coastal Road, San Isidro-Cabawan Centro, Dao, Lindaville, Manga, Peñaflor, and Tiptip, all departing from City Square.

Another route serves Tagbilaran City College students travelling between TCC and B. Inting corner Jacinto Street.

Mayor Yap said the early turnout reflects the immediate value of the program to working commuters, students and other residents affected by rising transport costs.

At the same time, the subsidy mechanism ensures that public utility vehicle drivers continue to earn from their regular routes.

The Libreng Sakay program is one of several relief measures under the city’s crisis-response package.