The Iloilo City Government met on Wednesday, June 22, with the Iloilo Provincial Government and first town local government units (LGUs) primarily affected by the new transport routes to address the problems.

Mayor Jerry Treñas took to task the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) to discuss concerns on the newly-implemented Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) which started June 12.

“The mayor requested the presence of provincial government and concerned LGUs to a venue where they could raise issues and concerns to be addressed in the process of implementation,” said MIGEDC executive director Velma Jane Lao.

From the testimonies of the Metro Iloilo LGUs, they shared that in the first few days of implementation, the commuters experienced confusion regarding the routes. But after a week, the riding public has become familiar with the routes. Specifically, Pavia, Cabatuan, and San Miguel representatives said they are now okay with the way things are going.

Public Safety and Transportation Management Office head Jeck Conlu took note of “manageable concerns” of Leganes and Oton. He also considered the use of cargo pass for Sta. Barbara to ply up to Iloilo Terminal Market.

Lao said the discussions went well and the Metro Iloilo LGUs were thankful that they were given the opportunity to air their sides. The provincial government has prepared and submitted their transport plan to DOTR and is waiting for approval.

“Everyone was open and free to articulate their concerns which were responded to by Mr. Conlu and Mr. Peñalosa (City Planning and Development Coordinator). A series of feedback sessions will be done as we continue to test run the plan for six months,” she added.

City Hall has piloted the LPTRP upon approval of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Department of Transportation (DOTR).

“The hardest thing to manage is change but we can do this together. I agree with what Mr. Mario Nillos (Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator) has said that we now need to move forward,” Lao said.Alexandra Jover/Iloilo City PIO

Photo by MIGEDC/Velma Jane Lao