BACOLOR -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) presented Monday its “Ulat sa Bayan” highlighting the accomplishments of the department and its affiliated agencies in Central Luzon.
The department was led by Undersecretary Guiling Mamondiong and Regional Management Council 3 chairman and Land Transportation Office (LTO) 3 Regional Director Oliver Macaspac.
The DOTC Regional Management Council 3 has in its wing the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), the LTO, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
In his report, Macaspac said the LTO-3 here has posted increases in revenues of some P1.5 billion in 2009 compared to P1.3 billion in 2008, attributed largely to the increments in vehicle registration and number of licenses issued.
“This is an indication of continuous progress in the region as well as the streamlining of our operations in the region and our move to have our agency computerized. To date, we have nine centers that are ISO (International Certification for Standardization) certified,” Macaspac said.
The LTO-3 has launched last week its Citizen’s Charter, a first in the region, as well as its Road Safety Program.
He said the LTO-3 is now actively pursuing its anti-colorum drive and ensuring safety in the road.
He said the apparent decline in the number of apprehensions is an indication that motorists now are realizing the importance of road safety as pushed by the LTO.
Geronimo Tuvilla and Lieutenant Elizer Dalnay of the PCG Bataan and Subic reported that they succeeded in ridding the coasts of illegal fishing, cleaning up the environment, and bringing to the people much needed services especially in relief and maritime rescue.
Lawyer Andy Morales of LTFRB, representing Regional Director Benjamin Go, cited the unit had successfully moved for the legalization of shuttle services in Clark, where a total number of 155 units to date have been accredited.
From Caap, Engineer Alex Balmadrid said there has been an increase of 33 percent, or P60 million in 2008 to some P199 million last year, in funding for the upkeep of the region’s four airports in Casiguran, Iba, Baler, and Plaridel and the future construction of water ports in Guagua and Sasmuan.
For his part, PPA regional head German Tuguigui said the Eastern Luzon Seaboard, continuous to gain headway following the construction of more Roll-on, Roll-out (Roro) ports in the region like that in Lamao, Bataan and Dingalan Aurora. He said similar wharfs, like the successful point in Masantol, would be established to boost aqua and agri businesses in the region.
Undersecretary Mamondiong, meanwhile, said the marked increase in funding of some 300 percent, is an indication that the economic landscape of the region is fast growing.
“We would like to give due credit to our President [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] for her continued support for the region. Rest assured, the DOTC and its allied agencies, will see to the proactive development of infrastructure in the region so our people would be serve at all times,” said Mamondiong.