Kalinga rolls out free rides, rice aid, and farm support amid oil price surge
The provincial government of Kalinga is set to roll out a series of relief measures to cushion residents from the effects of rising oil prices, including free transportation, rice aid, and agricultural support.
In Tabuk City, officials announced the launch of a Libreng Sakay (free ride) program starting April 13, 2026, operating from Monday to Friday. A provincial bus will run three trips in the morning and three in the afternoon, covering routes from Kalinga State University–Bulanao Campus to the Provincial Capitol and extending to Dagupan near Tabuk City Hall.
Authorities clarified that the free ride service is not intended to compete with public utility vehicles but will be scheduled in a way that remains fair to local transport operators.
To further ease financial strain, the provincial government has allocated ₱17 million from the Local Government Support Fund to provide rice assistance and agricultural aid. Half of the fund will support the distribution of 10 kilograms of rice per beneficiary family, while the remaining amount will be used for fuel subsidies for farmers with registered machinery.
Governor James Edduba said the assistance is especially critical for farmers, particularly those in upland areas still recovering from damaged irrigation systems caused by Typhoon Uwan.
The provincial government is expected to implement these initiatives within April as part of its response to the ongoing economic pressures linked to high fuel costs.
NPO News Team | Philippine Information Agency - PR
