MANILA (PIA) – Thousands of commuters in Metro Manila will enjoy free rides on modern jeepneys from Nov. 5 to 14, as the Marcos Jr. administration ramps up preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, underscoring President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive that the benefits of the country’s chairship be felt by ordinary Filipinos.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) formally launched the initiative through a tripartite agreement to deploy 30 modern jeepneys across key Metro Manila routes for 10 days, providing free transportation services.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, vice chair for operations of the National Organizing Committee, said the program reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring Filipinos directly benefit from the country’s hosting of the regional gathering.
“Ang utos po ng ating Pangulo, ay ang chairmanship po ng Pilipinas hindi lamang dapat nakikita o napapanood sa mga balita. Dapat maramdaman ng bawat Pilipino ang konkretong benepisyong hatid nito,” Angara-Mathay said.
“That is why we continue working closely with our partner government agencies to develop initiatives that showcase the best of the Philippines while creating meaningful experiences for our visitors, delegates, and stakeholders,” she added.
The free rides will operate along two major corridors: the North Route, covering SM Fairview to Buendia, and the South Route, from Sucat to Baclaran. Each route will be served by 15 modern jeepneys running daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The North Route is scheduled to make eight one-way trips per day, while the South Route will complete 10 one-way trips, expanding mobility options for commuters during the lead-up to the summit.
Beyond easing transportation expenses, the initiative is expected to benefit an average of 12,500 passengers daily, based on data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The program will also provide income security for participating drivers and transport workers.
In a move that merges mobility with tourism promotion, the modern jeepneys have been wrapped with images showcasing iconic Philippine destinations, festivals, and cultural attractions, turning the vehicles into moving advertisements for the country’s tourism offerings.
DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven C. Pastor said the initiative demonstrates the administration’s whole-of-government approach in delivering meaningful public services while highlighting the country's strengths to the international community.
“This is a reflection of our commitment that we are collaborating with different agencies, in particular the DOT, in spearheading this initiative,” Pastor said on behalf of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
“Kami po sa Kagawaran ay buong-buo ang suporta sa ating DOT dahil we are not just showcasing our country. We are showcasing our culture, and our tourism,” he added.
The Philippines will welcome world leaders and hundreds of foreign delegates from Nov. 16 to 18 for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, where discussions will focus on key economic, political, and regional issues.
Officials said the free jeepney program highlights the Marcos Jr. administration’s push to align major international events with initiatives that provide tangible benefits to citizens, while showcasing the country’s culture, hospitality, and tourism potential on the regional stage. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo courtesy of DOT)
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