“Dagidiay talaga nga marigrigatan koma ti dapat makinabang… please let those who need it most use it” - Gov. Edduba on Kalinga “Libreng Sakay” which starts April 13

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Fair and proper implementation of Kalinga’s “Libreng Sakay” program has been ordered by Governor James Edduba to ensure that it benefits those who need it most, rather than primarily government employees.

The Libreng Sakay (free rides) program of the Provincial Government of Kalinga is set to begin on Monday, April 13, to help commuters cope with rising transportation fares brought about by the ongoing fuel crisis in the country.

The initiative was initially discussed during the Kapehan meeting of the PLGU on April 6 at the Provincial Capitol New Conference Hall in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

During the meeting, Edduba emphasized to the heads of concerned offices that the program would lose its purpose if those already employed in government would become its primary beneficiaries.

“Haan lang manen koma nga puros empleyado makinabang ditoy nga libreng sakay. Kasanu garud nga libreng sakay nu datayo met laeng ti makinabang. We are public servants, and we must serve the public, not ourselves. Sunga dagijay koma talaga nga marigrigatan wenno apektado iti daytoy nga crisis ti matulungan ti libreng sakay, kasla dagitoy estudyante,” said Edduba.

To craft the strategies, mechanics, and other necessary measures for the effective implementation of the initiative, Edduba issued Executive Order No. 21 creating the Provincial Energy Crisis Impact Task Force (PECITF).

Based on a copy of the document obtained by Guru Press Cordillera, the task force aims to mitigate the impacts of the crisis not only on transportation but also on electricity, infrastructure projects, cost of living, employment, food and nutrition, health, agriculture, and other affected sectors.

Balanced support

On April 7, the task force convened at the Golden Berries Hotel to discuss the program in detail. During the meeting, assessments and observations were presented, along with several suggestions and recommendations for implementation.

SWAD Team Leader Lorna Lumioan expressed concern over the possible impact of the program on transport drivers, noting that commuters are their primary source of income.

In response, Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Head Flordeliza Moldero shared that the PLGU will also extend fuel subsidies to transport groups to ensure balanced support for both commuters and drivers.

To further ensure that the free rides will not negatively affect drivers’ income, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Head Christian Luyaben suggested setting specific routes and schedules.

Implementation

On his Facebook page, Edduba announced that the free rides will officially start on April 13. Under the program, a Capitol-owned bus will operate six trips daily—three in the morning and three in the afternoon.

The bus will be stationed at Tabuk City Hall in Dagupan and will travel to Kalinga State University (KSU) and the Provincial Capitol in Bulanao. It will wait for passengers at these locations before returning to Dagupan.

“Ada daytoy ‘Libreng Sakay Program’ tayo ti Kalinga PLGU tapno makatulong bassit kadagiti commuters. Padasen tayo nga agkakadua tapno ti tunggal maysa makaited tulong, tapno amin ket saan unay a maparigatan. Daytoy ket mangrugi inton Lunes, April 13. Ti rota ket Tabuk City Hall to KSU and Capitol, and back idiay Dagupan. Tapno met matulungan dagiti drivers, daytoy nga libreng sakay ket para kadagiti vulnerable sectors, kasta met nga kitaen ti probinsya ti mainayon a tulong para kadagiti drivers,” he wrote.

The governor also called for cooperation and understanding from the public during this time of crisis.