ILOILO City – During his visit to Iloilo last weekend, newly-appointed Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary Vivencio Dizon confirmed that the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), formerly known as the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), will continue nationwide.
Dizon’s statement follows calls from transport groups like Manibela and Piston, which have urged the government to suspend the program due to the high cost of modernized jeepneys, with units priced at around P2.5 million each, and the limited subsidy provided by the government.
“We are still in the process of verifying data on the ground. In the next month or so, we will have a way forward. I can’t say what that will be yet, but for now, the status quo remains. The use of modernized PUVs in other areas continues, but the nationwide implementation may take a few more weeks or months,” Dizon explained in an interview with local media.
In Region 6, Dizon assured that the program would continue, with no plans to halt the efforts that have already been initiated by transport groups in Iloilo City and other areas in the region.
“No, we will not stop what has already been done. Whatever is in place, what has already been implemented by cities like Iloilo and other cities that are ready and advanced and willing, we will continue with that,” he added.
In Iloilo City, the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI), composed of over 10 cooperatives and corporations, has long adopted the modernization program in alignment with the city’s Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP).
Out of 1,782 modernized jeepney units authorized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) under the city’s LPTRP, more than 500 units are already operating under WVATCCI.
Meanwhile, the province of Iloilo has yet to start the implementation of the modernization program, as its proposed LPTRP is still pending approval by the LTFRB. However, Dizon assured that the provincial government would receive assistance to secure approval for its proposed plan after receiving a letter from Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., who requested support from the LTFRB.
“We need the help of our Secretary for our transport plan which is now pending. We hope we can get a concrete development,” said Governor Defensor.
Launched in 2017, the PUV Modernization Program aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles that comply with Euro 4 engine standards to reduce pollution and replace outdated units that do not meet the Land Transportation Office’s roadworthiness criteria.
The program also requires the consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations to help transport operators shoulder the cost of acquiring modernized units, marking the first stage of the PUVMP./PN
