Gov’t agencies roll out free towing services, 'Libreng Sakay' amid Metro Manila floods
Apart from shopping malls opening their doors as temporary shelters on Monday evening, government agencies stepped up relief efforts on Tuesday, Aug. 18, rolling out free towing services and Libreng Sakay routes to assist motorists and stranded commuters hit by the southwest monsoon.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Tuesday announced that it is providing free towing services for vehicles stalled or stranded in floodwaters caused by the heavy rains.
The cars can be brought to either the homes of the owner or a repair shop within Metro Manila.
Motorists can just message MMDA on their official social media accounts for assistance.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and other government agencies will deploy Libreng Sakay operations on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to assist commuters affected by the severe weather. Authorities noted that service hours may be extended if necessary.
The initiative comes following the President's directive to ensure accessible public transport, especially with heavy rains causing widespread flooding across Metro Manila.
“Ide-deploy ang 43 vehicle assets ng pamahalaan para alalayan ang ating mga komyuter na na-stranded. Kasama natin ang iba’t ibang government agencies sa pagbibigay ng libreng sakay sa mga pasahero na apektado ng matinding pag-ulan. Prayoridad nating makapasok at makauwi sila ng ligtas,” ayon kay Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez.
Below are the routes covered by the Libreng Sakay program (and vice versa):
- Quiapo to Fairview
- Lawton to PITX
- Divisoria to Cubao (via Nagtahan)
- Baclaran to Monumento (via Taft)
- Lawton to Muntinlupa (Starmall)
- Heritage to Market Market
- Monumento to PITx (Busway route)
- Kalentong to Pasig
- Buendia to Makati Avenue
- Quiapo to Commonwealth
- Marikina to Cubao
- Sta. Mesa to Q. Avenue (via Araneta)
- Baclaran to Sucat
- Divisoria to Monumento
Monday's flooding across Metro Manila was triggered by an overwhelming volume of rain falling in a short period, MMDA said.
Based on data from the Science Garden Station at the DOST-PAGASA Compound in Quezon City, rainfall reached 201.7 millimeters in just five hours, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Between noon and 2 p.m. alone, 138 mm of rain was recorded.
