Government gesture aims to honor workers from April 30 to May 3
Manila, PHILIPPINES — Metro Manila’s train lines are offering free rides to commuters from April 30 through May 3 in celebration of Labor Day, the Philippines' Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced this week.
The initiative, covering the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 (LRT-1, LRT-2) as well as the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), was made “in response to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr,” the DOTr said in a Facebook post.
“Libreng sakay para sa lahat!” the agency declared, reaffirming the government’s annual tradition of providing free public transportation during Labor Day to express gratitude to the country’s workers and commuters.
The free rides will be available all day on each of the four days, offering not just economic relief but also symbolic recognition of Filipino laborers’ sacrifices and contributions.
Labor Day, celebrated annually on May 1, is a national holiday in the Philippines and is often marked by protests and government-initiated benefits for workers. The transport perk is one of the more consistent gestures of support from the government amid rising concerns over wages and job security.
It’s a welcome gesture, but for workers battling rising prices and soul-crushing traffic, a few free rides might not take them far enough. — WALPHS.com