CAVITE - Noveleta and Cavite City residents stranded by continuous heavy rainfall can now avail themselves of a free shuttle service today, August 29, 2026, as the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO) operates a Libreng Sakay program for the Noveleta to Cavite City route and vice versa. The initiative aims to ensure residents reach their destinations safely as the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continues to bring moderate to heavy rains over Cavite and other parts of Luzon.
Free Shuttle Service for Stranded Commuters
Noveleta residents, which according to its profile is a municipality with a rich history dating back to its establishment as an independent pueblo in 1868, and Cavite City, a peninsula bounded by Manila Bay, Cañacao Bay, and Bacoor Bay, are particularly vulnerable to flooding during the southwest monsoon season . The OPDRRMO's Libreng Sakay program addresses this vulnerability by providing free transportation for commuters who would otherwise be stranded by the inclement weather.
This initiative is part of the provincial government's ongoing efforts to support residents during severe weather conditions, building on similar Libreng Sakay programs that have served millions of commuters nationwide . The shuttle service is open to all stranded passengers regardless of their destination along the route, ensuring that residents can reach their homes or essential destinations safely.
Habagat Rains and Safety Advisories
The continuous heavy rainfall brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) has prompted the Department of Social Welfare and Development to raise its alert status to red, as the weather system continues to bring moderate to heavy, at times intense, rainfall over Luzon and parts of Visayas . PAGASA has reported that moderate to heavy rains (50-100 mm) are expected over Cavite, along with Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, and other areas from Saturday to Sunday .
PHIVOLCS has also issued a lahar advisory for Taal Volcano due to the heavy rains, warning that the Habagat-induced rainfall could generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars in rivers and drainage areas . The DSWD currently has P605 million in standby funds and over P4.23 billion worth of relief resources, including 3,524,177 family food packs, ready for immediate deployment to affected communities .
