CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--As the government continues to implement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) through the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Department Order (D.O.) No. 2017-011, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez expressed his full support and pledged to file a bill seeking an increase in government subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers.

The PUVMP program aims to transition old public transportation to be at par with global standards on safety, reliability, convenience, and environmental sustainability. All PUV engines must meet the Euro-4 and Philippine National Standards (PNS) or be LPG-powered, electronic, or hybrid.

In addition to such requirements, modernized PUVs should have GPS, an automated fare collection system, and a CCTV camera. Moreover, PUVs that are 15 years old or older can no longer be allowed to register or operate.

Despite the program's positive effects, the transport industry expressed concern about the costs that might rise as a result of the transition to PUV modernization.

Rodriguez assures the transportation sector that he will be filling a house bill that will increase the government’s equity subsidy to 25%, working retroactively, to help all drivers and transport operators pay for modern PUV units that pass the standards set by DOTr. The funds that will be used for assistance will be sourced from the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

A reduction of loan interest from 6% to 4% and an extension of the payment period to fifteen years from seven years will also be pushed.

"When policies and programs change the lives of the people to something more expensive, the government has the responsibility to support them through this change. This is affirmative action to help our operators and drivers, who are heroes in providing transport services to the commuting public," Rodriguez said. (JAKA/PIA-10)