The Municipality of Dauin in Negros Oriental will launch a free bus service connecting residents to Dumaguete City starting Monday, April 13, 2026, according to an official advisory issued by Acting Municipal Mayor Alvin V. Truita on April 10.
The Libreng Sakay Program will operate Monday through Friday with dedicated morning and afternoon schedules, using a green bus to transport passengers between key pickup points in both municipalities at no cost to riders.
According to Advisory No. 01, Series 2026, the initiative aims to provide "continued provision of vital services for the welfare of our constituents specially during these times of crises" and will continue until conditions improve and the program is officially lifted.
Morning Service Schedule Details
The morning service begins with the green bus parking at 7:00 AM in front of Dauin Mega Market along the National Highway, specifically in the lobby area. Departure to Dumaguete City is scheduled for 7:30 AM sharp.
For the return trip, the bus will be stationed at the jeepney terminal in Robinson's Place Dumaguete City starting 8:00 AM, with departure back to Dauin set for 8:15 AM.
This morning schedule appears designed to accommodate commuters traveling to Dumaguete for work or business, providing reliable transportation during peak commuting hours.
Afternoon Transportation Options
The afternoon service mirrors the morning schedule structure but operates later in the day. The green bus will park at Dauin Mega Market along the National Highway at 4:00 PM, departing for Dumaguete City at 4:30 PM.
The return afternoon trip begins with parking at Robinson's Place jeepney terminal at 5:00 PM, followed by departure to Dauin at 5:15 PM.
These afternoon schedules align with typical business closing hours, allowing residents to complete errands or work commitments in Dumaguete before returning to Dauin in the early evening.
Pickup Points and Passenger Guidelines
Two primary pickup locations have been established for the service. In Dauin, passengers should board at the National Highway in front of Dauin Mega Market, specifically in the lobby area. In Dumaguete City, the designated pickup point is the jeepney terminal at Robinson's Place.
The municipal advisory notes that passengers can also flag down the green bus along the route if they encounter it traveling between the two municipalities. This flexibility allows residents living along the National Highway corridor to access the service even if they cannot reach the main pickup points.
The program specifically targets "all Dauinanons," indicating the service is intended primarily for residents of Dauin municipality, though the advisory does not explicitly restrict usage to residents only.
Municipal Government Initiative Background
Acting Municipal Mayor Alvin V. Truita personally initiated the program as part of the current administration's commitment to accessible public service. The timing of the program launch suggests it may be responding to transportation challenges faced by residents during what the advisory refers to as "these times of crises."
The Municipality of Dauin, located in Negros Oriental province, has established this program as a direct government service rather than partnering with existing transportation providers. This approach gives the local government full control over scheduling, routes, and service quality.
The official advisory was issued through the Office of the Mayor, which can be contacted at telephone number (035) 527-9733 or email address lgudauin@yahoo.com for additional information about the program.
Route Coverage and Accessibility
The service connects two important commercial areas in both municipalities. Dauin Mega Market serves as a central shopping and business district for Dauin residents, while Robinson's Place Dumaguete is a major commercial hub and transportation center in Dumaguete City.
By establishing pickup points at these locations, the program provides access to both shopping and business districts, as well as connecting to other transportation options available at Robinson's Place jeepney terminal.
The route follows the National Highway, which is the primary road connection between Dauin and Dumaguete City, ensuring the most direct and familiar path for regular commuters.
Program Duration and Future Updates
The Libreng Sakay Program will continue operating "until lifted and when conditions improve," according to the official advisory. This open-ended timeline suggests the program addresses ongoing transportation needs rather than serving as a temporary promotional offering.
The municipality has indicated it will provide advance notice before discontinuing the service, allowing residents to make alternative transportation arrangements when the program eventually ends.
Municipal officials encourage residents to share information about the program with family and friends to maximize community awareness and usage of the free service.
The green bus will be easily identifiable for passengers looking to utilize the service, and the consistent schedule should allow residents to plan their travel between the two municipalities around the established departure times.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Municipality of Dauin