Ilocos norte: Ilocos Norte province is launching a travel incentive program to attract visitors to head north despite rising fuel prices. Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos confirmed this on Tuesday, encouraging the public to register now to secure spots for free bus rides to and from Ilocos Norte during the Holy Week from March 31 to April 3.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office stated that it is leading the Holy Week program. The initiative offers limited seats that cover bus fares, leaving visitors to only consider their meal expenses while in Ilocos Norte. In collaboration with GV Florida Transport Inc., a registered transport service provider in Northern Luzon, travelers between Manila and Laoag can avail of a one-way free bus ride on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ilocos Norte tourism officer Aianree Raquel announced the reactivation of this program during an interview on Tuesday. The initiative, originally started during the pandemic, aims to address the ongoing oil and energy crisis. At least two buses will operate daily, transporting Ilocos Norte residents who avail of the program at 10 p.m. and visitors at 11 p.m. from March 31 to April 2 on the Manila-Laoag route.

Following the three-day pilot test, the travel incentive program will continue from April 8-10 with scheduled trips at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. from Manila to Laoag. Raquel revealed that negotiations with the provincial government are ongoing to potentially extend the travel incentive program throughout the summer.

Raquel emphasized that while the program may not completely resolve the current crisis, the subsidized connectivity will alleviate some of the impacts on various sectors. The summer season has historically been a peak period for tourist arrivals in previous years.