The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Provincial Government of Cebu have teamed up to introduce the Tabang Pangbyahe Program — the country’s first service contracting initiative led by a local government unit. Through a tripartite agreement with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the DOTr will provide ₱20 million in funding, using the net service contracting model for implementation.
The program follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to help public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators maintain steady incomes, amid economic shifts linked to developments in the Middle East. It also aims to ensure sufficient transport supply as schools reopen.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez noted that the partnership benefits both transport workers and commuters, guaranteeing enough vehicles especially for students returning to class. Under the scheme, bus operators receive incentives to serve routes that are currently underserved. Services will follow designated stops identified through a study by the Provincial Planning and Development Office.
Participating operators must meet strict standards: installation of GPS linked to a local monitoring center, proper sanitation, use of low-floor buses accessible to persons with disabilities, functional air-conditioning, and a maximum capacity of 60 passengers with no standing allowed.
Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed the initiative, saying it marks a unified effort to make transport more efficient and accessible across Metro Cebu and eventually the whole province. Once the funds are turned over to the provincial government, eligible bus firms can start submitting their applications to join the program.
