In Borongan City
TACLOBAN CITY– In preparation for the upcoming school year, the city government of Borongan met with officials from the Department of Education Borongan City Division and Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) to discuss the implementation of the ‘Libreng Sakay’ program.
The city government will distribute QR cards to identified senior high school and college students who will benefit from the program.
Rupert Ambil, city information officer, said that around 5,000 senior high school and college students each are expected to benefit from the program.
“But this number may change after enrollment,” Ambil said.
The Libreng Sakay program was institutionalized this year through the City Ordinance titled “Borongan City Libreng Sakay Ordinance of 2024.”
The program aims to make transportation more accessible, especially for those who cannot afford regular fares.
The program uses a mobile application developed by computer engineering students from ESSU, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Beneficiaries will scan their cards using a scanner near the bus driver upon boarding, recording the number of passengers and reporting it to the server.
In addition to senior high school and college students, the program also benefits 110 athletes and coaches. It provides free rides to senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and some identified health workers.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
