CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through its affiliated agencies here, ensures that vehicles undergo rigorous roadworthiness inspections and continuously implements public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization for passenger safety.
In the second episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Northern Mindanao, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) shared that the safety of passengers is their number one priority.
Abosamen H. Matuan, regional director of LTFRB-10, stated that their advocacy is for daily commuters to have safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly modes of transportation through the government’s PUV modernization program.
He also shared that he has given orders to bus companies to intensify the implementation of their security plans, especially during peak seasons such as Oplan Balik Eskwela, Oplan Undas, and the Christmas season.
“We really have to be sure that ‘yung ating mga commuters na pumupunta sa ating terminals magiging maayos at safety ang kanilang pagsakay sa ating mga buses,” he said.
(We must ensure that commuters arriving at our terminals have a smooth and safe ride on our buses.)
Meanwhile, Nelson S. Manaloto, regional director of LTO-10, shared that they ensure that vehicles are not overloaded.
“When it comes to safety ng mananakay, bago po ‘yan lumabas, at marehistro, ma-renew ang kanyang registration ay dumaan po ‘yan sa LTO, hindi po siya pwedeng ma-renew ng registration ‘pag hindi pumasa sa stringent inspection ng aming mga inspectors sa LTO,” he said.
(When it comes to the safety of the rider, before he or she is out on the road and is registered, his or her registration is renewed; he or she goes through the LTO; he or she cannot renew his registration if he or she does not pass the stringent inspection by our inspectors at the LTO.)
As for the airports, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) also shared that for health and safety, they receive information from the Department of Health, especially on diseases. However, he stated that the airports feature clinics where passengers can undergo screening to determine their suitability for travel.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Cagayan de Oro port manager Engr. Isidro V. Butaslac, Jr., also explained that they do have certain health processes in the ports that may sometimes be “perwesyo” or a burden to the passengers, but it is for the best of the general public.
“For PPA, we were required to go into ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, lisod kini nga proseso (this is a hard process), but I’m also proud to share that we were able to do it at the same time maintain the ISO certification,” he said.
“Bug-at pero nakatabang gyud kana pag-sustain ang atong serbisyo (it is heavy, but it really helps to sustain our service), especially in safety, security, and even health and environment),” Butaslac added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard-10 assured the public that they have deployed different personnel led by PCG, joined by the Philippine Police, Philippine Army, and Philippine Navy, for maritime safety. (JMOR/PIA-10)
