DOTr lauds Bacolod for e-jeep initiatives

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) fully support initiatives of this city under the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).

- By GLAZYL MASCULINO

DOTr officials led by Secretary Vince Dizon lauded the city government for its electric jeepney (e-jeep) initiatives during a visit here on Friday, April 25, and said that Bacolod can really be a model for the PUVMP. “What we've seen in Bacolod is frankly something that’s very promising. Despite the problems and difficulties in the modernization program, the city has a clear vision,” Dizon said in a media interview after his meeting with city officials headed by Mayor Albee Benitez.

Dizon said that it is seldom to see a local government unit (LGU) as proactive and progressive like this city. “I think it shows the attitude of the stakeholders,” he added.

He admitted that there are a lot of problems in the modernization program and they are doing a comprehensive review. “The bottom line is that drivers and operators are having difficulty transitioning from traditional to modernized due to financial challenges,” he said.

“While we are doing and focusing on those that have already entered the program, that’s not the case in the majority of the cooperatives,” he said.