MABALACAT CITY -- The demonstration or testing of the light hybrid road train is not supposed to compete with the existing transport system in Clark Freeport.
This was disclosed by Mary Michelle Quiambao, head of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), during a public hearing called by the Mabalacat City council recently.
Vice-Mayor Christian Halili said the Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) conducted the public hearing after the Clark Special Economic Zone Transport Group Federation aired their opposition saying the project will affect its more than 400 members.
Quiambao said the technology demonstration, including the January 14 dry run incident when the road train stopped after its power source emitted smoke, is still part of the project research and development stage.
“Kami po sa government, hindi po kami gumagawa ng project para apakan po yung ibang sectors. Kaya po makikita natin na kayo po ang pupuntahan ng technology na ito e. Hindi po natin siya nakikita na nawawala kayo,” Quiambao said.
The DOST official made an assurance that the road train will not be allowed to take regular routes inside the Freeport until it passes road safety testing and final approval.
The agency is testing the road train in Clark, which is a controlled area, Quiambao said.
The Clark Development Corporation will implement the new transport system project inside the Freeport and not the DOST, Quiambao clarified.
Danilo Yumul, president of the Clark transport federation, earlier told Sun.Star Pampanga that they were not consulted about the project.