CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board RFRO 10 successfully conducted a Regional PUVMP Consultative Meeting on July 5, 2023, from 8:00 am-4:00 pm at the Nazareth Gymnasium, Brgy. Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City.
The primary objectives of the consultative meeting were to engage PUVMP stakeholders, particularly the LGUs and the transport service entities in the region, in an in-depth discussion with the regional offices of LTFRB, DILG, CDA, LTO, and other relevant agencies regarding the program, and to collectively address the challenges and opportunities in modernizing public utility vehicles.
The event was attended by Atty. Jocelyn Tataro, LTFRB-FPMD OIC; LTFRB 10 Regional Director Aminoden D. Guro and Chief Transport Development Officer Dima-arig M. Diamla; Regional Director Nelson Manaloto and Assistant Regional Director Arthur Ranque from LTO 10; and of course, Hon. Rufus Rodriguez, Representative of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro City.
Also present were Ms. Esther Joy Evasco and Ms. Joanne Elmedolan of LTFRB Central Office; Atty. Mischelle Halazgo, Legal Officer from DILG 10; Atty. Ansarah Julyanne Maongco and Mr. Edwin Pelosas of CDA 10; and Engr. Sherwin Cabactulan from RTA. Representatives from the LGUs of Gingoog City, Iligan City, Camiguin Province, Manolo Fortich, Baungon, Initao, Valencia City, Laguindingan, Calamba, Sapad, Claveria, and more than 151 officers and members of more than 50 different transport service entities in Region 10 were also in attendance.
During his speech, Congressman Rufus Rodriguez expressed his support for the transport service entities in region 10 and their commitment to the government’s PUVMP. He further announced his plans to pass a bill backing the program, especially its financing component. According to the honorable congressman, he will propose that the equity subsidy be set at 20% of the unit cost (retroactive), with the budget sourced from GAA. Additionally, he will also recommend reducing the loan interest rate from 6% to 4% and extending the payment period from 7 years to 15 years.
The meeting also included an update on the progress of the PUVMP in the region. Currently, the LPTRP of Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog City, Tangub City, Manolo Fortich, and Matungao have been approved, while 55 other LGUs are in the process of crafting their route plans.
On the industry consolidation front, a significant percentage of operators in the region, specifically 86.93%, have already consolidated into transport cooperatives and corporations.
The PUVMP program in region 10 has revolutionalized public transportation, benefiting both passengers and operators. With that, RD Guro, along with the rest of LTFRB and PUVMP region 10, is hoping that we continue to embrace and support the PUVMP, ensuring that Northern Mindanao, especially Cagayan de Oro City, will become one of the forefronts of progressive and sustainable public transport system in the country. ###
