DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has expressed his full support to Bacolod City’s implementation of Public Utility Jeepney Modernization Program (PUVMP) using electric jeepneys (e-jeeps).
Dizon, who visited Bacolod City on April 25, 2025, said the city can be a model for the implementation of the modernization program.
He said what they have seen in Bacolod is something that is very promising, because despite the problems and difficulties, the city has a clear vision in the implementation of the modernization program.
“We can clearly see that Bacolod can be the model for PUVMP, and to support this, DOTr has committed to providing everything needed to show that this modernization program can truly work, if the right ingredients are in place,” he said.
He added that it is seldom to see a local government unit as proactive and progressive like Bacolod City.
Dizon was welcomed by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez along with Congressman Greg Gasataya and the members of the City Council where they presented the city’s Comprehensive Public Transport Modernization Plan, which includes the city’s electric jeepneys; the review of the consolidation program, which aims to grant authority or deputized local government units (LGUs) to apprehend colorum or unauthorized vehicles; approval and implementation of green routes; migration to electric vehicles (EVs); provision of financing options for e-jeepney operators; and establishment of EV charging stations across the city.
Bacolod City currently has a total of 10 e-jeeps purchased by the Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CPMPC) from the supplier, e-Future Motors Philippines, which is operating Fortune Towne-Central Market loop.
The mayor also presented the current status of the city’s Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP). As of March 2025, a total of 1,266 traditional jeepney units have been approved for consolidation, along with 605 modern units.
The LPTRP in Bacolod was adopted through City Ordinance 966, “An Ordinance Adopting the LPTRP of Bacolod City, Providing Policies and Guidelines for its Implementation and for Other Purposes” in the year 2021.
Under the LPTRP, 24 routes have been identified in the city, with a total allocation of 1,099 modern jeepney units under the PUVMP.
Based on the city’s assessment, Benitez said there is still a shortfall of around 1,200 units to adequately service the 24 routes.
After the meeting, the mayor ordered City Planning and Development Office head Jean Ramos, City Administrator Lucille Gelvolea, and Bacolod Transportation and Traffic Management Department head Patrick Lacson to determine the required number of jeepney units per route, assess the deployment of E-jeepneys including the availability and location of charging stations, and conduct a comprehensive profiling/establish a database as basis in identifying interventions to ensure successful implementation of the modernization program.
The city is also waiting an executive order from the DOTr, which may introduce new regulatory mechanisms aligned with the proposed reforms. (MAP)