GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has extended the deadline for franchise consolidation under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) to provide opportunities to more transport groups that want to consolidate, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Feb. 5.

During the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) road sector town hall meeting at the KCC Mall Convention Center in General Santos City, Bautista pointed out that the three-month extension offers opportunity to those who intended to consolidate but failed to comply with the December 31, 2023 cut-off.

“’Yong deadline ng [franchise] consolidation was extended to April 30 para bigyan ng pagkakataon ang iba pang gustong mag-consolidate [The franchise consolidation deadline was extended to April 30 to give a chance to others who still want to consolidate]," he said.

Bautista noted that the government had already achieved a 76 percent consolidation rate at the end of December last year.

"Pero sabi ng presidente mayroon pang may gustong mag-consolidate na hindi umabot sa deadline at sabi niya pagbigyan natin sila para naman siguro umabot ng 80 to 85 percent 'yong consolidation rate [But the president said that there are still people who want to consolidate who didn't reach the deadline, and he said let's give it to them so that maybe the consolidation rate will reach 80 to 85 percent]," he said.

Bautista also emphasized that rates of 76 to 80 percent are sufficient for the implementation of the PUVMP.

The road sector town hall meeting, which was held as part of the DOTr's 125th Foundation Anniversary celebration, also bannered the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign of President Marcos Jr.

Among the participants were representatives of 56 transport cooperatives and 3 transport corporations in the Soccsksargen region.

The Philippine Government started the transport modernization program in 2017 and has already established 1,728 cooperatives and corporations with 262,344 members, the Presidential Communications Office reported.

PUVMP aims to transform the Philippines’ transport system, making it more efficient, environmentally friendly, and safer for the commuting public.

It aims to achieve safe and comfortable travel for commuters; reliable travel time due to optimized routes; disciplined and competent drivers through education and training; fair regulations for all stakeholders; and spacious vehicles to enhance the passenger experience. (DED - PIA Region 12)