SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday welcomed the joint effort of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in implementing the 50-percent fare discount for students using the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT), hailing it as a concrete measure that eases the financial burden of families and advances President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government approach to education reform.
Earlier, the DepEd announced it would assist the DOTr in rolling out the 50-percent fare discount for students on MRT and LRT lines to ensure that schools and parents are fully informed about this benefit so that students—from Metro Manila to the farthest regions—can truly feel the government’s support.
DepEd and DOTr will work together to harmonize guidelines and amplify public awareness.
“Ang mas murang pamasahe sa MRT at LRT ay ginhawa sa bulsa ng mga pamilya na nagsusumikap na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral ang kanilang mga anak at kapatid. Magagamit pa ng estudyante ang matitipid niya sa iba pang gastusin gaya ng libro at iba pang pangangailangan sa pag-aaral,” said the reelected Leyte 1st District lawmaker.
“Ang pagtutulungan ng DepEd at DOTr sa pagpapatupad ng programang ito ay malinaw na halimbawa kung paano nagbubunga ng positibong resulta ang pagkakaisa ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno. Dahil dito, mas maraming estudyante ang makikinabang at mas mapapadali ang kanilang paglalakbay tungo sa edukasyon at magandang kinabukasan,” he added.
Initially rolled out in June 2025, the program will run until 2028, covering students from kindergarten to graduate school—including those in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Special Education (SPED)—allowing eligible students unlimited discounted rides on all Metro Manila rail lines.
Under the program, eligible students can enjoy the discount with no daily or monthly limit. Starting September, special white Beep cards that automatically apply the 50-percent discount will be made available at train stations, minimizing wait times.
Romualdez lauded President Marcos for his foresight in linking education reform with immediate cost-saving measures.
“Mula sa puso ang malasakit at kalinga ng ating Pangulo para sa ating mga estudyante, pagka’t pangarap niya na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ay may nakapagtapos. Ito ang kahulugan ng lingkod-bayan—paghahanap at pagpapatupad ng solusyon para maibsan ang pasanin ng pamilya sa pagpapaaral,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Speaker also expressed full support for the education reforms outlined in the President’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), urging DepEd and other agencies to sustain and expand programs that directly benefit students.
“As public servants, we must go beyond what’s been done—working even harder for our students, who will shape the nation’s future as leaders of change,” he said.
Romualdez assured that the House of Representatives will continue crafting legislation and supporting the proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 to further strengthen the education sector.
“Public funds are meant to serve our people—especially for education, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. The GAA for next year must be inclusive, proactive, and responsive to our students’ needs, empowering them to lift their families out of poverty,” he concluded.
