CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Mar. 9 (PIA)–Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB)-10 introduced new and modern vehicles for public transportation to take route in Misamis Oriental.
During the launching of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) on Friday, March 6, at the Provincial Capitol, about three transport companies were present including RTMI, Donsal Express Inc. and Nissan with ready units for use.
Congressman Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City’s second district said, “The Congress has been supportive of this modernization program since its inception in 2017.” The goal, he said, is to make our public transport in the Philippines efficient and environment-friendly. Jeepneys more than 15 years of age will be phased out so that it will be replaced by Euro 4 compliant engines.
“This program will also allow operators to transition from the old jeepney system to a new transport system, PUVMP. They will, therefore, be able to avail themselves of loans from Landbank at only 6 percent per annum interest at maximum of seven years,” Rodriguez added.
Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano urged the operators to replace their old PUVs with new ones as this will be more efficient and profitable. The governor said the province will commit to give P70,000 per operator if they avail of this modernization program of the government.
The modernization will be implemented strictly by June 20, 2020. LTFRB Director Aminoden Guro explained, they will no longer accept applications of single operator but only corporation and cooperative.
Operators will need to group and register at Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and Office of Transport Cooperative (OTC). He said, “Magpa rehistro na para dili mawala inyong franchise sa inyong routa (register now so that you will not lose your franchise and routes).”
Land Transportation Office (LTO) Regional Director Nelson Manaloto, meanwhile, shared that it is about time to modernize public transport system in the Philippines. He explained, “this will help make our country at par with other ASEAN countries.” (JMOR/PIA10)
