A transport cooperative in Dagupan City will offer free rides to women for a week starting March 9, 2026, as part of activities marking National Women’s Month.

The Dagupan City Bonuan Loop Transport Cooperative said the program, called “Libreng Sakay para kay Juana,” aims to recognize the role of women in society despite the financial strain caused by rising fuel prices.

“Kailangan natin bigyan ng kahalagahan ang kababaihan sa lipunan. Although, we are sacrificing on this because of the very high fuel price right now due to the escalation, we need to give it,” Jessie Quiros, chairman of the cooperative, said.

Under the program, free rides will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., when temperatures are typically high and commuters may need air-conditioned transport. Passengers traveling from the One Bonuan area to downtown Dagupan will be eligible for the free service.

The initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Dagupan District Office.

“It’s not only a celebration. Ipinapakita natin na we recognized them. It’s a way of appreciation for women,” Romel Dawaton, chief of the LTO Dagupan District Office, said.

Five of the cooperative’s 20 modernized public utility jeepney units will be deployed for the program.

Current fares on the route range from about 15 pesos for passengers from Guezet to around 30 pesos for trips from Binloc to downtown Dagupan, according to the cooperative.

Commuters like Maricel Salvador welcomed the initiative, saying it would help reduce daily transport expenses.

“Malaking tulong po siya sa mga kababaihan, lalo na sa mga nanay na naghahatid sa mga estudyante,” she said.

The free ride program will run for one week as part of the city’s observance of National Women’s Month.