Mayor John Dalipe yesterday morning joined officials from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and other concerned government agencies in a consultative forum on issues regarding the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in the city.

In his message during the first part of the forum held at the City Hall Conference Room, the local chief executive thanked LTFRB for organizing the meeting that fosters an environment of collaboration and inclusivity, especially involving policies that affect a sizeable portion of the population.

“The public utility vehicle modernization program is not merely a policy; it is a transformational endeavor that impacts the lives of MILLIONS of our fellow citizens,” he told attendees.

The city mayor also took the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to ensuring that “the voices of our communities, our constituents, and our local government units are heard and considered in the decision-making process.”

“Bajo na administracion Dalipe, todas las cosas envuelto na hacida de decision para na beneficio de todo, necesita pasa na todo quien queda afectao. Este policia ta adapta kita para na mas mejor del de aton qualidad de democracia y qualidad del governanza en el de aton ciudad. Ademas, necesita kita asegura que todo voz, todo sentimiento, y todo asunto pone na dialogo y discurso,” he said.

He likewise urged that in shaping the future of public transportation, the government and all stakeholders unite in building “a roadmap that not only modernizes public utility vehicles but also promote accessibility, safety, and sustainability.”

“Let us seize this moment to forge partnerships, nurture collaborations, and build a future where our public transportation system serves as a catalyst for progress, connectivity, and community empowerment,” he advocated.

Also present during the morning session of the Transport Consultation Forum were LTFRB Board Member Engr. Riza Marie Paches, Department of Transportation-National Project Management Office officer-in-charge Joyce Rivera (who attended via Zoom meeting), Councilor and Chairperson of the Committee on Public Utilities VP Elago, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman represented by her city administrator Pedrito Eisma, among others. (Claudine Uniana)