Ilocos norte: The Ilocos Norte provincial government's 'Libreng Sakay' program has benefited 30,498 individuals who commute daily to work amid the energy crisis.

According to Philippines News Agency, the free transport service, facilitated by the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) in partnership with public transport groups, was piloted in April to ease transportation costs. The provincial government initially tapped 10 jeepney operators' associations and two provincial buses to provide peak-hour trips between this city and nearby areas.

The program was then expanded to accommodate more routes, covering Vintar and extending from Pagudpud in the north to Badoc, the province's southernmost town. "Right now, we are reexamining the possibility of extending the 'Libreng Sakay' program," Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said, noting recent global events, including the temporary ceasefire in the US-Iran conflict, which may affect fuel costs and transportation policies.

Commuters are hoping for the extension of Libreng Sakay to reduce their daily transportation costs. As of this posting, MINC reported that the two provincial buses offering free rides to the public have been halted. A total of 12,590 liters of diesel were consumed during the rollout of the program, including the disbursement of PHP630,000 for the salaries of drivers who participated in the program.