Hino PH Joins 1st Modern PUV Caravan

Truck maker giant Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), participated in the first Modern PUV Caravan held at the Clark Economic Zone in Pampanga, Thursday, July 5.

Being one of the pioneer participants of the government's Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, it joined the government initiative dubbed as 'Arangkada ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Kaunlaran.'

The Modern PUV Caravan is a joint undertaking of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) in cooperation with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Landbank of the Philippines, and various industry associations and vehicle manufacturers, including HMP.

In his speech, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III noted that the caravan launch "is a strong manifestation of the collaborative effort of private and public partners in the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program."

"We intend to push this program as far and as fast as possible and that won't happen without the support of all the stakeholders," Delgra said.

LTO Undersecretary Mark Richmond de Leon likewise called for the support of all stakeholders, especially the drivers and transport cooperatives, for the success of the program. He highlighted that the PUV Modernization Program is a priority project of the government because a modern, reliable transportation system can help usher in a better economy for the country.

The Modern PUV Caravan is slated to conduct around 30 legs to be held all around the country until February 2020.

Phase one of the caravan, which will run for the entire month of July until the first week of August, includes stopovers in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan; San Fernando City, La Union; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Santiago, Isabela; Baguio City; Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; and Marilao City, Bulacan.

HMP will be showcasing its Philippine National Standard-compliant modern PUVs, Jeepney Class II (AC), and Jeepney Class III (AC), during the different legs of the caravan.

The Euro 4-powered Hino jeepneys are equipped with safety features such as a speed limiter, CCTV, GPS and a dashboard camera, which all ensure a better, safer commuting experience for both Filipino drivers and passengers.

HMP Chairman Vicente Mills, Jr. expressed pride over the participation of the government program.

"We are honored to be part of this meaningful program which seeks to gradually improve our national transportation system. It has always been our vision to see a more connected community where people and goods go where they need to go in the most efficient manner and we are positive that this effort brings us all closer to achieving that," Mills shared.

"HMP is committed and well-positioned to support this PUV modernization initiative and we all look forward to the opportunities that this will open up for our local transportation industry and its various stakeholders," he added.

Since last year, HMP has turned over more than 100 modern PUVs to several transport cooperatives in Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Quezon City and Iloilo.