Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay leads the presentation of wrapped modern jeepneys that will offer free rides as part of the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.
The Philippines’ tourism and transportation departments are teaming up to launch free jeepney rides in select parts of Metro Manila as the country ramps up preparations for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings.
The initiative is expected to deliver material benefits to Filipino commuters while serving as a platform to feature Philippine destinations.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angrara-Mathay, who was designated Vice Chair for Operations of the National Organizing Committee, emphasized that this initiative will bring the ASEAN Summit closer to Filipinos not only through promotions but, more importantly, in terms of assistance.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) formally inked its partnership to launch free rides in time for the country’s hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings (from left to right: LTFRB Acting Chairperson Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr., DOTr Usec. Mark Steven C. Pastor, DOT Sec. Dita Angara-Mathay, and DOT Usec. Maria Dionesia A. Rivera-Guillermo).
“Ang utos po ng ating Pangulo, ay ang chairship po ng Pilipinas hindi lamang dapat nakikita o napapanood sa mga balita. Dapat maramdaman ng bawat Pilipino ang konkretong benepisyong hatid nito. 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,” Secretary Angara-Mathay said.
The free rides will begin on November 5, following the ceremonial signing of the tripartite agreement that will mobilize a total of 30 modern jeepneys, operating for 10 days until November 14, 2026.
Spread across two major routes, commuters may avail of free roundtrip services from SM Fairview to Buendia (North Route) and from Sucat to Baclaran (South Route), with each service having a fleet of 15 vehicles.
Both will operate from early morning (4 a.m.) to late night (10 p.m.). The North route will have eight one-way trips, while the South service will have 10.
All jeepneys are dressed up to bear images of iconic Philippine tourist attractions, festivals, and experiences to maximize visibility of the regional event and promotion of the country’s tourism assets.
Beyond serving an average of 12,500 daily passengers, according to LTFRB data, the free ride will also benefit drivers and transport workers, ensuring their income during the program’s implementation.
DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven C. Pastor highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government approach in mounting programs that will benefit Filipinos during the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit.
“This is a reflection of our commitment that we are collaborating with different agencies, in particular the DOT, for spearheading this initiative. 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,” Usec. Pastor said on behalf of DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon.
From November 16-18, world leaders and hundreds of foreign delegates will come to the Philippines for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings to discuss economic, political, and other international policies integral to the region.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay leads the presentation of wrapped modern jeepneys that will offer free rides as part of the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.
The Philippines’ tourism and transportation departments are teaming up to launch free jeepney rides in select parts of Metro Manila as the country ramps up preparations for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings.
The initiative is expected to deliver material benefits to Filipino commuters while serving as a platform to feature Philippine destinations.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angrara-Mathay, who was designated Vice Chair for Operations of the National Organizing Committee, emphasized that this initiative will bring the ASEAN Summit closer to Filipinos not only through promotions but, more importantly, in terms of assistance.
“Ang utos po ng ating Pangulo, ay ang chairship po ng Pilipinas hindi lamang dapat nakikita o napapanood sa mga balita. Dapat maramdaman ng bawat Pilipino ang konkretong benepisyong hatid nito. 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,” Secretary Angara-Mathay said.
The free rides will begin on November 5, following the ceremonial signing of the tripartite agreement that will mobilize a total of 30 modern jeepneys, operating for 10 days until November 14, 2026.
Spread across two major routes, commuters may avail of free roundtrip services from SM Fairview to Buendia (North Route) and from Sucat to Baclaran (South Route), with each service having a fleet of 15 vehicles.
Both will operate from early morning (4 a.m.) to late night (10 p.m.). The North route will have eight one-way trips, while the South service will have 10.
All jeepneys are dressed up to bear images of iconic Philippine tourist attractions, festivals, and experiences to maximize visibility of the regional event and promotion of the country’s tourism assets.
Beyond serving an average of 12,500 daily passengers, according to LTFRB data, the free ride will also benefit drivers and transport workers, ensuring their income during the program’s implementation.
DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven C. Pastor highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government approach in mounting programs that will benefit Filipinos during the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit.
“This is a reflection of our commitment that we are collaborating with different agencies, in particular the DOT, for spearheading this initiative. 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,” Usec. Pastor said on behalf of DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon.
From November 16-18, world leaders and hundreds of foreign delegates will come to the Philippines for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings to discuss economic, political, and other international policies integral to the region.
Share this:
Discover more from Great Travel Philippines
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.