Metro manila: The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has launched its 'Libreng Sakay' program, offering free rides to commuters in Metro Manila as part of efforts to ease daily transportation costs. The initiative aims to provide safer, more convenient, and accessible transportation for workers, students, and other members of the commuting public.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program reflects the agency's commitment to extending public service beyond its core mandate by addressing the daily needs of Filipinos. "In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to support our commuting public, PCSO launched the Libreng Sakay Program to provide our fellow Filipinos who travel daily for work, school, and other essential activities with safer, more convenient, and accessible transportation along major routes in Metro Manila," PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said in a statement. "Through this initiative, PCSO hopes to alleviate the public's daily transport cost."

Under the program, two PCSO buses will offer free rides along the SM Fairview-Quiapo route and vice versa, covering some of Metro Manila's busiest roads. The service will operate from Monday to Friday during peak commuting hours, with trips scheduled from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The program also supports the administration's push for responsive and people-centered services, particularly for those who rely on public transportation for work, school, and other essential activities. The PCSO encouraged commuters along the designated route to avail of the free rides while observing proper courtesy and safety protocols.

The agency also assured the public that it would continue pursuing programs that promote public welfare and respond to the evolving needs of communities.