The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office (LTFRB RFRO) 1 (Ilocos) issued a Notice of Compliance (NOC) to nine local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Norte province on Wednesday.
This came after a thorough evaluation of the proposed Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRP) of the City of Batac and the towns of Dumalneg, Nueva Era, Bangui, Marcos, Piddig, Vintar, Carasi, and San Nicolas.
According to the LTFRB, the NOC is valid for five years. This initiative aims to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and ensure efficient public transport services.
The awarding was held at the Ilocos Norte Capitol Auditorium and attended by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and the Metro Ilocos Norte Council.
In her short speech, Araneta-Marcos underscored the importance of the LPTRP in the operation of transport services in the province and in anticipation of the ongoing construction of the central terminal, which is now in Phase 3 of implementation.
Phase 3 of the Terminal Hub and Parking Building includes finishing the main building for jeepney services, constructing the bus terminal, and a two-story office building. It also involves completing the drainage system and road network.
“We really need to organize our connection between our local transport hub and our bypass roads,” the governor said, adding that compliance requires discipline and shared understanding that regulations exist to protect the riding public.
In her message, Regional Director Cristal Sibayan of the LTFRB-1 lauded the LGUs for their substantial contribution to safe, accessible, and inclusive transportation for their constituents.
Despite Batac City’s population growth, urbanization, and economic progress, the LTFRB has not endorsed the proposed intra-LGU fixed public utility vehicle routes because the current public transportation options sufficiently meet existing mobility demands.
“The city is well served by established intra-city and inter-municipal routes that connect key destinations, including educational institutions, commercial areas, and emerging development zones,” the LTFRB said in a statement.
By Leilanie Adriano(PNA)