LTFRB-12 turns over public transit franchises to BARMM

MARAWI CITY – The Bangsamoro Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (BLTFRB) took over the administration of public transit franchises in the BARMM, following the turnover of assets, responsibilities, and related documents from the LTFRB-12 in Quezon City on May 5.

Under Board Resolution No. 025, the transfer of all assets, digital records, franchises, special permits, provisional authority, and other corresponding documents for routes under BARMM from the LTFRB-12 was deemed necessary after the BLTFRB was granted authority to oversee franchise areas within its jurisdiction.

LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III led the turnover of the tasks and digital copies of franchise documents for routes under BARMM's jurisdiction to MOTC Minister Lawyer Paisalin Tago representing the BLTFRB.

“This day not only marks the turnover of records and responsibilities but also represents the culmination of the centurieslong dream of our brothers in the south for autonomy,” Guadiz said, emphasizing that the LTFRB has full support for the BARMM leaders.

Minister Tago expressed gratitude for the historical milestone for the BARMM region, saying, “This is not just a turnover of documents but also a transfer of responsibility and commitment by the LTFRB. We are grateful to the LTFRB for implementing the provision of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.”

Lawyer Mercy Jane ParasLeynes, LTFRB board member, also attended the turnover, describing it as another step that gives life to Bangsamoro Organic Law or BOL.

“It will implement what is being said on that law which will help the continuous development and achievements of the BARMM region,” ParasLeynes said.

The turnover is expected to benefit BARMM's public transportation system and improve the delivery of services to the region's commuters. (BIO | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

DOLE-TUPAD shares promise of hope to 6,908 Gingoog shear line bens

GINGOOG CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment-10 (DOLE)-10 through its Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Office (MisOr PFO), headed by Provincial Director Jose Errol Natividad, in partnership with the Local Government of Gingoog City and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), held its Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Mga Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) payout worth P17,512,200 to 6,908 beneficiaries at Alfonso S. Lugod Gym on April 17 to 21.

Comprised of individuals affected by the shear line in December 2022, the beneficiaries were offered employment opportunities to perform social community activities such as street sweeping, cleaning of public areas in the various barangays, school gardening, and maintenance works.

Romeo Lumacad, 65, and Mella Lumacad, 63, a couple affected by the shear line living on the mountainous side of the city, shared that they had experienced difficulties finding employment after the calamity ravaged their community.

“I have no choice but to cry about how hard it is nowadays. Especially since we still have a child to support in going to school. At times, I cannot help but think of sending him to work for a part-time job,” Mella shared.

Through DOLE-10’s TUPAD program, the Lumacads were able to find the opportunity to work, sustain their grandchild’s studies, and recuperate after the calamity.

TUPAD is a communitybased package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers for a minimum period of 10 days but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of the work to be performed.

“For those who lost their jobs and needed our help to make use of their talents and skills, please do not hesitate to reach out to DOLE because we are eager to help all of you,” said Estrella Pahalla, DOLE-10 OIC regional director. (DOLE-10 | PIA-10 | Misamis Oriental | DOLE-10)

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

FILIPAY paves modernization of the local transport system with PLDT Enterprise

FILIPAY, the leading flagship product of Service Economy Applications Inc., commits to offering efficient, secure, transparent, and convenient cashless fare payment transactions through the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) and Fleet Management System for the on-going Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization project.

In partnership with PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the largest fully integrated telco PLDT, FILIPAY is expected to progress their systems further through the acquisition of the Telavi People Counting Camera with Command Center.

The technology solution allows FILIPAY to address route, fleet, and driver management, and gain visibility on their daily revenue.

PN Roa Canitoan Transport Cooperative (PONTRANSCO) is also the first transportation cooperative in the Philippines to implement FILIPAY AFCS and Telavi People Counting Camera with Command Center in Cagayan De Oro to further support the PUV Modernization Project.

FILIPAY also implemented Project “Luzviminda,” named after PONTRANS -

CO’s General Manager, Luzminda Escobidal, to embody her strong vision that the solution will be replicated in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“Modernizing Philippine transportation with a cashless payment system is no easy feat,” says Janice Ariño, Founder, President, & CEO of FILIPAY. “We need high standard software and hardware supported by a partner that offers only the best customer service – and PLDT Enterprise delivers in all of these.”

Revolutionizing the Transportation Sector

Through the digital solutions from the partnership of FILIPAY and PLDT Enterprise, they are able to decentralize management of data, which facilitates direct, reliable, and real-time access to information.

It also allows for less service failures and lowered transaction costs in comparison to centralized and distributed systems.

“This acquisition has not only helped FILIPAY, but also our transport group partners nationwide,” Ariño says.

Affecting change beyond local businesses, PLDT Enterprise and FILIPAY are also cooperating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and other transport teams to mobilize the Telavi People Counting Camera and Command Center. This collaboration finalizes the Department of Trans - portation’s on-going route rationalization plan that monitors and gathers data on transport vehicles.

“We are proud of this successful partnership with FILIPAY and how the collaboration influences the transport sector for the better,” says Ding Villarino, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Revenue Group at PLDT Enterprise. “Truly, a partnership is a success when solutions are adapted by other stakeholders as well, and this milestone is a step forward in building a better tomorrow for transport cooperatives and the industry.”

Technology in Service of Transport Efficiency

FILIPAY also faced challenges in real-time vehicle monitoring and route management. “We needed reliable internet connectivity and top-quality hardware and software to digitally manage our transport systems,” Ariño says.

With PLDT Enterprise’s fiber-fast connectivity and Telavi People Counting Solution, FILIPAY has since been able to increase efficiency in monitoring vehicle fuel and gas consumption, and address problems of theft that they have been able to extend to partners located as far as Mindanao.

“More than improving our existing products and services, PLDT Enterprise’s best customer service has empowered us to create new partnerships and explore new business ventures. Their digital tools have made a well-oiled machine out of our company,” shares Ariño.

PLDT Enterprise remains true to its commitment in influencing a positive change in the community as it continues to support businesses to move Further Together through digital solutions.

“We are excited to contribute further to the transport sector with the help of FILIPAY and serve more Filipinos. By understanding the complexities of various industries and the magnitudes of their businesses’ needs, we continue to improve our solutions so we may support more companies in their digital advancement,” says Mitch Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups at PLDT and Smart. For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com/. (PR | PLDT)