ILOILO City – The full modernization of public transport here may be achieved in a little over two years.
“We’re counting 27 months for complete modernization. Let’s cross our fingers that there will be no more disruptions or suspension, but only support,” said Perfecto Yap, advisor and consultant for Joroshely Transport Services and the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI), a broad alliance of various transport cooperatives and corporations in Iloilo City.
Under its approved Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), Iloilo City will have 1,782 transportation units serving various routes. At present, only 520 minibuses are operating, but an additional 161 units are expected to be delivered this this year.
According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 legal counsel Atty. Salvador Altura Jr., the main challenge of the modernization program is the purchase of minibuses by transport cooperatives and corporations.
He cited the “delayed release of funds by lending companies.”
LTFRB-6 and WVATCCI expressed their gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary Jaime Bautista, and LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III for affirming the implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
“We are not only improving the lives of our citizens but also creating a sustainable and efficient urban environment for generations to come,” said LTFRB-6 director Richard Osmeña.
WVATCCI president Rizalito Alido expressed optimism that Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines would resume processing and approving the loan applications of transport cooperatives and corporations.
Loan processes were temporarily halted due to rumors of the suspension of the modernization program, he said.
Following a recent meeting with Secretary Bautista in Metro Manila, Alido shared that the DOTr Secretary committed to sending official communication to lending institutions to ensure the approval of loans./PN
