In the face of skyrocketing fuel prices and a struggling public transport system, researchers launched a digital solution to keep the bayanihan spirit alive.
SakayTayo Baguio–Benguet is an application created by the husband-and-wife tandem of Vek Ridon and Rey Palileng because of the oil price crisis and the daily struggle of commuters.
Vek said, “This is a free community app for students, workers, and farmers in Baguio City, La Trinidad, and Benguet. No fare, no app fees, no middleman, just neighbors helping neighbors.”
The idea came after a desperate call from the La Trinidad and Benguet provincial governments for carpooling. Vek, a Doctor in Information Technology, developer, trainer, and former faculty member, along with her husband Rey, a former government employee who has a passion for IT, believe research should serve the community.
Diesel prices in the Cordillera are projected to reach a staggering P125 to P133 per liter. With Baguio’s transport system failing, winding queues of stranded commuters stretch until 10:30 PM as public utility vehicles struggle.
SakayTayo Baguio–Benguet was designed by the couple’s company, iLearn Webtech, for riders and drivers who want to carpool or split a taxi fare. Farmers can share truck space heading to the Trading Post and book by sacks, bags, kilos, or crates. Everything is free. No transport business, no commission, only community bayanihan.
Vek said, “We believe the community itself is the solution.”
There are four ways to share a ride with SakayTayo Baguio: Carpool: When someone has a car and offers empty seats. Share gas costs or ride for free. Taxi Pool: When you find people going the same way, meet at one spot, and split the taxi fare equally. Intercity: When someone is going to Manila, La Union, or Abatan. Share your extra seats with the community. Pure bayanihan, no payment required; gas contribution is optional. Hatid-Gulay: Designed for Benguet farmers bringing vegetables to the Trading Post who can share truck space. Book by sacks, bags, kilos, or crates.
Vek shared, “As a researchers, we just wanted to ease some pain of the community, yun lang po. Parang, it was one night after we read it, we built it. Medjo matagal lang po namin na-launch because we registered the name of SakayTayo first to send OTPs.”
The app was launched during the Lenten break on April 1 and has since been used by the public, to register, go to: sakaytayo.baguio-benguet.com
The app also has safety reminders: always meet at public, well-known landmarks like Burnham Park, Session Road, SM City, or school gates. Every user is verified by a Philippine mobile number. Profiles show school, barangay, and ride history. Carpool rides require a minimum of two passengers; never be alone with the driver. You can report any user or ride that feels unsafe.
SakayTayo Baguio reminds users to never share your exact home address with someone you’ve just matched with. Wait until you’ve ridden together a few times and feel comfortable.
SakayTayo covers Baguio City and all 13 municipalities of Benguet. For local rides, barangays in Baguio and La Trinidad are pre-loaded. For intercity rides, popular routes like Baguio–Manila, Baguio–La Union, and Baguio–Abatan are available. By Maria Elena Catajan