Centro Manufacturing Corporation, the country’s leading truck body builder, has expressed support to the various initiatives of the Department of Transportation, foremost among which is its forthcoming PUV Modernization Program. This Program seeks to upgrade and modernize some 200,000 jeepneys over 15 years old with the modern PUV over the next three years.
During the launch of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) held in July, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade emphasizes that the PUVMP is not anti-poor. He further emphasized that the program’s primary goal is to give the commuting public a more convenient, reliable, efficient, and safe modes of public transportation.
“The PUV Modernization Program is not anti-poor. We are just protecting the safety of our commuting public. Sinusuportahan namin ang anumang marangal ba hanapbuhay. Ngunit sana, siguruhin ninyong ang inyong hanapbuhay ay hindi kumikitil ng buhay”, he said.
Centro Sales Manager Vic Belisario says that it is about time that we provide the cure to the ailing jurassic jeepneys on the road. “Now is the time for us to upgrade our public transport system to make it at par with our neighbors and the more developed countries. We have the capacity to locally manufacture and assemble these PUVs thus generating employment for the unemployed and business opportunities for the SMEs that comprise the majority of our supplier base”.
He also says that Centro also recognizes that the country is now experiencing a record economic growth and as such, trucks are needed to spur its growth, especially in the logistics sector where goods have to be moved to over 7,100 islands nationwide. “We support the government’s implementation of the 15-year old rule on all commercial trucks to improve road safety on Philippine roads and reduce operating costs. We also see the need for the strict implementation of the Motor Vehicle Inspection System as a pre-requisite for vehicle registration. This will ensure that all vehicles adhere to the mandated emission and safety standards”.
“We realize that the DOTr is now more active than ever before and is adamant in implementing changes on our Philippine roads not only to alleviate traffic but also to improve safety and promote environmental protection. We welcome these changes and wish Secretary Tugade and the DOTr the best of luck as we offer to him our full support and cooperation”.
