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The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced the nationwide rollout of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive granting a 50 percent fare discount for students, saying the program will run until 2028 to ease the cost of education-related travel. 

“Patuloy din ang pagpapaganda natin sa serbisyo ng MRT at saka LRT. Ang dating dalawampung porsyentong diskuwento sa LRT at MRT para sa PWD, sa senior, at sa estudyante, ay itinaas na natin sa limampung porsyento na diskuwento,” President Marcos said during the 2025 SONA. 

The initiative, which began in June this year, covers learners in basic and higher education — from kindergarten to graduate school — including Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Special Education (SPED) students. The discount applies every time a student rides the train, with no daily or monthly cap. 

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the measure, which will continue until 2028, is a direct boost to access and equity in education. 

“Kapag nakakatipid ng pamasahe ang isang pamilya, mas maraming oportunidad para magamit ito para sa mga aklat at educational tool na kailangan nila. Malaking ginhawa ito para sa ating mga estudyante,” Angara said. 

“DepEd will do its part to ensure schools and parents know about this benefit. We want every learner, from Metro Manila to the farthest regions, to feel the government’s support,” he added. 

For its part, the DOTr said all train lines in Metro Manila already honor the 50 percent fare discount. Beyond the capital, Libreng Sakay programs are being piloted in Cebu and Davao, with modern jeepneys and buses deployed in select routes. More routes in both cities are set to launch soon. 

“Hindi lang yung discount ang importante. Ang sabi ng Pangulo, Kailangan yung experience nila hindi sila pinapahirapan. Kung ikaw ay estudyante, pupunta ka sa kahit anong station, papakita mo ang iyong ID at right then and there ipiprint ang inyong student beep card,” Sec. Dizon said. 

To avail, students only need to present a valid school ID or enrollment form. Starting September, students can apply for special white Beep cards in train stations, which will automatically apply the discount without the need to line up for single-journey tickets. 

DOTr said student ridership is being tracked through discounted ticket data. A commuter hotline (0920-964-3687) and official social media channels are available for complaints if students are denied access despite eligibility. 

DepEd and DOTr will work together to harmonize guidelines and amplify public awareness. 

“This is a concrete step in making education less of a burden for Filipino families,” Angara said. “Kung mas madali at mas mura ang biyahe papunta sa paaralan, mas marami ang makakapagtapos, mas marami ang magtatagumpay.” 

*All Photos from dotrmrt3.gov.ph