The Bangsamoro government has provided free rides and fuel subsidies to transport groups in Cotabato City amid the rising fuel prices.

Lawyer Lady Hanifah Mindalano-Alonto, director for Administrative and Finance Services of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC), said the fuel subsidy program is among the measures to stabilize the sector.

“We are not neglecting them [public transport operators]; the provision of fuel subsidies is continuous,” Alonto said.

The initiative is implemented under the Pantawid Pasada Program (PPP), which was launched in September 2025. It provides direct fuel assistance to qualified public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators across the region.

The Bangsamoro government said beneficiaries, including franchise holders of public utility jeepneys (PUJs), UV Express units, buses, minibuses, and taxis with valid Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) or Provisional Authority (PA) issued by the BLTFRB, will receive P7,500 each.

Meanwhile, free shuttle services have been deployed between Awang Airport and Cotabato City Plaza by the Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA).

“They [BAA] are providing free rides for our passengers at Cotabato Airport. Passengers may hitch a ride as long as they are along the route going to the airport,” Alonto added.

Other ministries, including the Ministry of Labor and Employment and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technial education, have also rolled out complementary free ride services.

The Bangsamoro government said the measures aim to cushion the impact of economic challenges amid the ongoing tension in the Middle East and ensure continuous transport services in the region.