HOUSE  Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday (22 Aug 2025) welcomed the joint initiative of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to implement a 50-percent fare discount for students using the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).

He described it as both a practical relief measure for families and a clear example of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government approach to education reform.

DepEd earlier announced that it would work with DOTr to roll out the program, ensuring schools and parents are fully informed so students nationwide can maximize the benefit. Both agencies will also harmonize guidelines and intensify public awareness campaigns.

“Cheaper MRT and LRT fares ease the financial burden of families striving to send their children and siblings to school. Students can use the money they save for books and other school needs,” said Romualdez, who represents Leyte’s 1st District.

He stressed that the DepEd-DOTr collaboration shows how inter-agency cooperation can deliver tangible benefits to the public.

“This partnership makes travel to school more affordable and accessible, giving students a smoother journey toward education and a brighter future,” he said.

The student fare discount program, first launched in June 2025, will run until 2028. It covers students from kindergarten to graduate school, including those enrolled in the Alternative Learning System and Special Education programs.

Eligible students will enjoy unlimited discounted rides on all Metro Manila rail lines, with no daily or monthly cap.

Starting September, special white Beep cards—automatically applying the 50-percent discount—will be distributed at train stations to speed up transactions and reduce queues.

Romualdez also credited President Marcos for linking education reform with immediate, cost-saving measures and assured that the House will continue supporting education reforms through legislation and the proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget for 2026.