League of mayors, bus firm offer free transport for locally stranded individuals

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and Partas Transportation Co. has launched a free transportation program for locally stranded individuals amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

According to LMP President Luis "Chavit" Singson, the respective local governments of the individuals will instead shoulder the fees under the BIYAHE-NIHAN project.

"Libre lahat, 'yung LGU na ang magpapagasolina, mag-shoulder, para tulong-tulong. Para priority sa mga office workers, mga uuwi, health worker, mga ganon," Singson said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Singson said that this will be free up to Mindanao with around 400 buses available.

Meanwhile several LGUs have reached out for coordination while the LMP has reached out to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Health.

"Marami na kaya lang inaantay, maraming coordination kasi. Mga biyahe-biyahe, may checkpoint lahat, ang suggestion ko, i-partner natin sa... national sila na bahala lahat kumuha ng permit," he said.

"Pag nagbigay sila ng go-signal... 'yung mga governor, mga mayor, sasalubungin namin sa mga kanya-kanyang entrance, mga checkpoint sa pagpasok sa bawat probinsya," he added.

The LMP advised interested individuals to prepare their travel documents and coordinate with their respective municipalities for details. -Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News