ASec. Lim: Organize transport cooperatives
Date:
Manibela ni Gloria program reaches the City of the Hundred Islands
Presidential Assistant for Public Transport Affairs Ariel P. Lim urged the transport sector here to organize and form a transport cooperative to further strengthen their group.
Lim was in the city for a two-day all transport group forum-dialogue held recently at the conference room of the Alaminos City Hall to tackle various issues and concerns confronting the said sector.
He was invited by his good friend, Mayor Hernani A. Braganza, to share the good news called the “Manibela ni Gloria Tungo sa Matatag na Republika” Program.
At the same time, help the city develop a traffic management plan in anticipation of the tremendous influx of tourists and investors with the soon establishment of the commercial airport here.
Lim said in this hardest of times due to the continuing increase in prices of petroleum products which is beyond the government’s control, there is a need to strengthen the members of the transport sector.
He explained that with a cooperative they could raise their current income by reducing the purchase costs of needed supplies or products.
“You could also improve the quality services to the people and get better bargaining power,” added the Assistant Secretary.
Lim assured the leaders of the transport group that his office will help them form a transport cooperative and address various problems and pressing concerns confronting of the stakeholders through the Manibela ni Gloria program.
In discussing its mechanics, Lim said the program was designed to extend assistance and provide livelihood support to tricycle, jeepney and even van drivers.
This, through discounts in the emission testing fees for all public utility vehicles, drug test and motor vehicle insurances.
Another important component of the program is the establishment of livelihood projects that include the "Bigasan at Botika ng Transport and ‘Botika ng Transport’.
To stop graft and corruption, bureaucratic red tape, and address other concerns of the transport sector, the government will also establish Transport Action Center or Grievance Center in every locality.
The ultimate goal of the program though, according to the assistant secretary, is to bring the Arroyo government closer to the masses and establish an economically empowered, politically enlightened and socially responsible transport sector supportive to the policies and programs of the government.
The timely dialogue ended on a high note as the transport groups headed by City Councilor Felimon Bacala Jr., SP committee chair on transportation, vowed to start organizing a cooperative.
Bacala and the transport sector also thanked ASec. Lim and Mayor Braganza for being an instrument in informing and encouraging them on availing the support and assistance coming from the Arroyo administration that will uplift their current condition.
The group also expressed elation knowing that the national government has so many programs to uplift their current condition and that the president continues to reach out to her constituency to achieve lasting peace and build a “Strong Republic.” (CIO)
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