Beyond the examination halls, the journey home gets lighter as the University Supreme Student Council (USSC-Baybay) revived its Gulong ng Tulong (GNT) transport assistance program on selected midterm examination dates, October 6, 7, and 9.
The program was first launched during VSU’s 102nd founding anniversary, when the council responded to students’ transportation needs alongside the university’s anniversary activities.
This midterm week, GNT once again offered free rides along two routes: VSU to Albuera, known as Route Alpha, and VSU to Baybay City proper, or Route Bravo.
Route Alpha picks up passengers near the VSU Upper Main Gate, while Route Bravo is stationed near the VSU Lower Market Gate. Buses were scheduled to depart at 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m., with buses arriving 15 minutes before each departure to accommodate students.
For Al Jaymer Sabando, a sophomore Development Communication student, the initiative provided much-needed relief after a tiring examination schedule.
“It is a big help for us nga naay exam til 7pm. because somehow we won't have to worry about the hassle of commuting. It's also good for students, especially for those who are struggling financially kay in a way maka commute sila without spending a penny,” Sabando told Amaranth.
In an interview with Amaranth, USSC-Baybay Prexy Emmanuel John Bolaño explained the reason behind the program’s revival.
“We revived Gulong ng Tulong because we are still in the midst of a crisis. Even just for this time, we hope to somehow alleviate this burden by providing Libreng Sakay for them,” Bolaño shared.
Bolaño further shared that the council selected the dates based on the number of students whose examinations were scheduled to end in the evening. This prompted the council to offer the service on October 7, 8, and 9.
While Bolaño expressed his hope of continuing GNT in future editions, he clarified that its continuation has yet to be assured.