QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Western Visayas Regional Office headed by Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Director-General Katherine S. De Castro launches the first-ever ‘HiNUN-ANON’ on March 22, 2023, in Bacolod City.
The event was attended by PIA Director-General Ramon Lee Cualoping III and representatives from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
‘HiNUN-ANON’ is a PIA-initiated community-based interface communication program to Explain, Explain, Explain the government programs, policies, projects, and services to the people. Through this dialogue, the people at the grassroots level will have a better understanding of what the government is doing for them and they will have an idea of how to access government programs to take advantage of these available opportunities which is the real essence of bringing the government closer to the people.
“Sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., first time tong gagawin ng Philippine Information Agency na ipagsama-sama ang various national government at line agencies na frontliners para maipabot ang anumang impormasyon, mga programa at polisiya sa taumbayan, diretso sa inyo,” DG Cualoping said.
During the event, different government agencies discussed their assistance programs for the public transport sector which is one of the 8-Point Socio-Economic Agenda of the Marcos administration to improve transportation in the country.
“[N]apakarami ng polisiya ng gobyerno. Maganda ang mga layunin ng ating mga polisiya. Maganda rin ang implementasyon ng mga programa ngunit ang malaking problema natin minsan sa ating bayan, in any democratic society hindi nauunawaan ang layunin ng proyekto. Nandito ang PIA para maipaliwanag kung ano ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan,” he added.
In support of the priority agenda, the Department of Budget and Management has allocated an indicative budget in the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA) of some P976.5 billion to infrastructure development through the “Build, Better, More” Program with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) receiving P894.2 billion and P82.3 billion, respectively, to reduce transport and logistics cost.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) VI Assistant Regional Director Atty. Salvador Altura Jr. shares various programs in support of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). One of which is the Service Contracting Program commonly known as ‘Libreng Sakay’ to be implemented again this year which will benefit the operators of modernized jeepneys in highly urbanized areas such as Bacolod City. The fuel subsidy program also continues to be implemented by the agency.
Meanwhile, two of the major social services programs of LTFRB involve the participation of DOLE and TESDA. One is the ‘EnTSUPERneur’ alternative livelihood program for displaced operators and drivers in partnership with DOLE. Another program, in partnership with TESDA for skills training, is the implementation of ‘Tsuper Iskolar’. This scholarship program is intended for jeepney drivers and other stakeholders including their family members/dependents.
On the other hand, the LTO Region VI presented various audio-visual presentations particularly on rationalizing and strengthening the driver’s license, the importance of LTO registration and insurance coverage, pre-inspection of vehicles, use of a seatbelt, child safety in motor vehicles as well as other road safety tips to ensure a safe road for everyone. Lastly, the agency shares the LTO principle to remind everyone to L-ook at the road situation before reacting, T-hink before deciding or doing something and O-bey road laws and regulations.
Further, Chief Labor and Employment Officer and DOLE NegOcc Field Office Head Carmella M. Abella explained further the ‘EnTSUPERneur’ program aims to deter socio-economic impact of PUVMP by providing alternative livelihood to affected stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Senior TESD Specialist Jenie Notchite presents the programs and services of TESDA for the transport sector. Some of the major programs of TESDA are the Unified TVET registration and accreditation program System ( UTPRAS), Competency Assessment and Certification (CAC), and their Scholarship programs.
