Libreng Sakay: Spirit of damayan in a crisis

The genius of the program lies in its dual-impact design. By subsidizing jeepney drivers and operators with guaranteed daily earnings ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, the city government ensured that transport workers—whose incomes had plummeted due to soaring fuel prices—were not left behind. At the same time, commuters, particularly students and minimum-wage earners, were spared the rising cost of fares.

This is governance that works on both sides of the equation: protecting livelihoods while easing the cost of living.

The initiative aligns closely with the national government’s response to the global energy crisis. Under Executive Order No. 110, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency in light of escalating geopolitical tensions and their impact on global oil prices. The order mobilizes a whole-of-government approach to mitigate disruptions, promote energy conservation, and cushion vulnerable sectors from economic shocks.

Across the country, this has translated into a range of relief measures. Fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle drivers have been expanded, ensuring continued mobility despite volatile pump prices. Government agencies have been directed to implement energy-saving measures, reducing operational costs and setting an example for responsible consumption. Local government units, following Manila’s lead, have explored similar transport assistance programs and targeted subsidies.

Moreover, there has been a renewed push for social protection mechanisms—cash assistance, targeted aid for low-income households, and support for critical sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, which are heavily affected by fuel-dependent production and distribution costs. These interventions, while varied in scope, share a common objective: to blunt the cascading effects of the energy crisis on food prices, transport costs, and overall inflation.

Yet, the Manila experience offers an important lesson. Large-scale national policies, while essential, often require localized, innovative execution to achieve real impact. The “Libreng Sakay” program demonstrates how local governments can act swiftly and creatively, leveraging available resources to deliver immediate relief.

Equally significant is the program’s embodiment of damayan—the Filipino spirit of collective support. As Malacañang itself noted, such initiatives reflect a shared determination to weather external shocks together. In a period marked by uncertainty, this social cohesion becomes as vital as any fiscal or economic measure.

Still, sustainability remains a key concern. Free ride programs, while effective as short-term relief, require substantial funding and careful targeting to ensure that they benefit those who need them most. Moving forward, policymakers must strike a balance between immediate assistance and long-term structural solutions—such as investing in energy security, mass transport modernization, and alternative fuels.

For now, however, the message is clear. In the face of a global crisis not of our making, responsive governance—anchored on empathy, innovation, and solidarity—can make a meaningful difference in the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

The road ahead may be uncertain, but with programs like “Libreng Sakay,” there is reassurance that no one is being left behind.