Bambang launches 15 modern PUVs, terminal

By Leander C. Domingo

BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya -- Fifteen more modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs) were launched Jan. 13 here at the Pick and Save Commercial Center in Bambang.
    The launch was in line with the Public Utility Modernization Program  of the Dept. of Transportation and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley).
    LTFRB Region 2 Director Edward Cabase said the modernized jeepney fleet is operated by the Vizcaya Santiago Cordon Transport Cooperative (Viscon).
    Cabase, along with the PUVMP team and Viscon, led the blessing and launching ceremony of the modernized PUV fleet, which will ply the Santa Fe-Solano-Santa Fe route.
    Bambang Mayor Benjamin "Jamie" Cuaresma 3rd was also present during the launching.
    The modernized PUV Class 2 unit features Euro-4 engines, a 20-seat capacity with accessories such as dashcams, closed-circuit television, speed limiters, an automatic fare collection system, and Wi-Fi.
    Also witnessing the activity were Chief Transportation Development Officer Geraldine Callangan; Jinky Zipagan, LTFRB Region 2 legal officer; Regional Director Franco Bawang Jr. of the Cooperative Development Authority in Region 2; Noel Napoleon, Land Bank representative; sales manager Allan Concigo of Durabuilt; and Viscon chairman Jesus Bugayong.
    During the event, Viscon was also awarded the Certificate of Public Convenience from LTFRB Region 2 authorizing it to transport passengers on the route they have applied for.
    Cabase said there will be more modernized PUVs to be launched in various places in the region under the PUVMP. They aim to provide modern, comfortable and safe public transportation in the country.
    Meanwhile, Cuaresma said the activity included the formal opening of the Pick and Save Terminal as the official terminal in Bambang.
    He also clarified that the Bambang Integrated Transport Terminal (BITT) has temporarily used a parcel of land adjacent to the Nueva Vizcaya State University.
    "This was because of the strict restrictions being imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic," Cuaresma explained.
    He said due to several requests for a more accessible terminal along the national highway "we sought the guidance, comments and recommendations of the LTFRB in Region 2."
    Cuaresma also cited guidelines stated in the LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2017-030 or the Guidelines for Off-Street Terminal Operations under Department Order 2017-11, otherwise known as the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines.
    He said one of the guidelines on the specific location is that the terminal should be 100 meters away from any institutional establishments such as schools and hospitals to safeguard against noise and pollution.
    With this, Cuaresma said the memorandum of agreement which pertains to the "temporary" establishment and operation of the BITT in Barangay Calaocan which is beside Nueva Vizcaya State University has been terminated.