South district residents get free bus ride

CEBU, Philippines — Residents of Cebu City South District are now enjoying a free bus ride starting last Monday upon the initiative of San Nicolas Barangay Captain Clifford Niñal and district Congressman Rodrigo Abellanosa.

The point-to-point free ride from ACT Bulacao campus to ACT P. Del Rosario in the downtown gives a great sigh of relief for commuters who struggle every day to get to their workplaces because of the lack of public transport.

Niñal said they are able to deploy at least seven round trips every day to assist the people, especially workers, in their daily commute. The trips are on a first come, first served basis.

The idea of providing free bus rides to the residents in the south district started with the free rides offered by Niñal to his constituents during burial. Niñal, who is into transportation business, said that Abellanosa asked to collaborate with him in expanding the program in the entire district amidst the lack of public transportation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.      

The Sangguniang Kabataan Federation led by Councilor Jessica Resch also helped out by fielding volunteers to assist the riding public in the signing of the contact tracing forms and in making sure that protocols are observed.

Aside from free rides, residents also get free surgical masks and alcohol to keep them safe from the virus.

Ninal said he is so happy to see fellow Cebuanos, especially workers, delighted by the little help they provided them. Ninal said he also wants to replicate the program in the north district.

The barangay captain is hoping that some well-meaning individuals and officials will also shell out an amount for the fuel to provide more buses and cover more areas.

“Maayo na lang pud nakatabang sa mga workers. Lisod gihapon karon ang transportation and maayo na lang nakatipid-tipid pud ginagmay. If naa pay laing available bus nga magamit and mu-offer tabang sa gasto sa krudo everyday like sa gibuhat ni Cong. Bebot (Abellanosa) diri sa South, mas maayo ug para daghan pa tag matabangan,” said Ninal. — FPL (FREEMAN)