By MARK FRANCISCO
BRINGING with him a hefty loan program intended for PUV modernization, legendary Filipino politician and entrepreneur Luis “Chavit” Singson introduced his distribution line of electric vehicles to eager and satisfied public transport cooperatives in Misamis Oriental.
In his speech on Sunday (February 4), Singson told the more than 300 PUV operators present that his company’s scheme would allow transport cooperatives and local government units to shoulder and guarantee the cost of the vehicles’ purchase via loan.
The meeting – held at Donsal Express headquarters in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental – was attended by more than a dozen transport cooperatives all over the region and with the presence of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista himself, who lauded Singson’s initiative.
Singson owns Legado Motors which exclusively distributes Dongfeng electric vehicles in the country which are intended for public transport use. The Philippine entry of Dongfeng was launched October of last year.
“We will provide the financing through the LGUs and through the cooperatives. Wala kayong downpayment, wala kayong guarantee,” he said much to the applause of the PUV operators present.
Northern Mindanao’s PUV modernization program is one of the most vibrant in the country, it being lauded by Bautista himself as among the highest consolidation rates in the Philippines. Consolidation means that operators and drivers are organized into corporations and cooperatives to ensure the efficiency of its operations with an upgraded fleet of low carbon emission, safe and efficient public utility units.
During his speech, Bautista cited Donsal Express’ efficient fleet management led by founding CEO Donald Rey Ellarina as being a template to follow by other cooperatives for their continuing success.
“Ito po ang gusto natin sa buong Pilipinas, roadworthy vehicles that comply with the Philippine national standard,” Bautista said, vehicles such as those being pushed by Singson’s company.
“For now, ang planta naming ay sa Maynila pero baka pwede din po gawin naming sa inyong region,” Singson said, thus generating more jobs and making the economy here even more robust.
“We are using South Korean technology. Mataas ang standard ng quality,” Singson said, adding that Legado Motors will provide 13 stations for each province and city which will avail of his electric vehicles. The PUV modernization program is a program made by the Department of Transportation with the goal of making the country’s public transport system efficient and environment friendly.
