‘MFTC, Panta Transportation Collaborate to Foster Innovations and Road Safety in the Transport Sector’
MINDANAO — May 11, 2024 – A Memorandum of Agreement has been signed between the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) and two sister academic institutions — the Our Lady of Triumph Institute of Technology, Inc. (OLT) and the Misamis Institute of Technology (MIT) — that aims to elevate transport education and advocate for sustainable and equitable transportation solutions.
On the same significant stride towards transforming the transportation landscape, the Mindanao Federation of Transportation Cooperatives (MFTC) and Panta Transportation, provider of automatic fare collection system (AFCS) and Fleet Management System (FMS), have both collaborated with the landmark MOA inked by LTOP National President Orlando Marquez, OLT President Lucile Maglasang and MIT President Engr. Galileo Maglasang.
The agreement, formalized in events held at the OLT – Pagadian Campus on May 8, 2024, and MIT – Ozamiz Campus on May 9, 2024, is a pioneering effort to implement “Advocacies, Innovations and Road Safety Programs” within the transport sector by LTOP and the academes.
Marquez said: “The partnership aims to enhance the professional standards of the transportation workforce, thereby improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability across Mindanao’s transport services.”
This strategic collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing education and training in the transportation industry through TESDA-registered and LTO-accredited courses such as Driving (NC II), Theoretical Driving Course, Practical Driving Course, and various other training initiatives, the Maglasang couple explained.
Apart from learning institutions, the Maglasang family also run a transport cooperative in Region 9 and 10, the Sta. Maria Transport Service Cooperative, chaired by Cherrie Gal Maglasang, who is also the vice president for OLT.
FMTC Lead Convener Cheng Ordoñez, also Panta Transportation regional head, said the collaboration will leverage Panta Transportation’s technological expertise and the MFTC’s operational knowledge on the following:
• Coordination and Cooperation: Facilitate among stakeholders for the seamless execution of educational and safety programs;
• Standardization: Promote to maintain high-quality service and safety standards across the transport industry;
• Advocacy and Representation: Engage to champion the interests of cooperative members and lobby for beneficial policies;
• Sustainability: Drive towards initiatives that will encourage eco-friendly practices and technologies in transportation; and
• Accessibility and Equity: Ensure making transport services available and affordable to all, focusing on inclusivity for those with disabilities and lower-income groups.
“Our collaboration with LTOP, OLT, and MIT marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and safe transport environment in Mindanao. MFTC and Panta Transportation are proud to join this initiative, reflecting our dedication to driving positive change and innovation within the sector,” Ordoñez added.
Present during the MOA signing were executives from LTFRB RFRO-9 and RFRO-10, headed by Regional Director Abosamen Matuan, as well as LTO-10 personnel headed by ARD Arthur Ranque, TESDA-10, and other agencies.
Meanwhile, Marquez lauded the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) denying the petition that challenged the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) by asking the SC to nullify DOTr’s Department Order No. 2017-011.
In a Decision penned by Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, the Supreme Court En Banc denied the petition for certiorari and prohibition filed by petitioners Bayyo Association. Inc., and Anselmo D. Perweg, in his capacity as President of Bayyo.
Marquez said LTOP and other transportation groups supporting the PUVMP, which include public utility buses (PUBs), mini-buses, public utility jeepneys (PUJs), utility vehicle (UV) express services, Filcab services, taxi services, transportation network vehicle services (TNVS), tourist transport services, and shuttle services, applauded the SC decision.
• About MFTC
The Mindanao Federation of Transport Cooperatives is the biggest organization of transport cooperatives in Mindanao with coop members in Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and BARMM. Established on July 17, 2023, it currently holds office in Cagayan de Oro City, offering consultation for its members, as well as Financial Management trainings and Fleet Management System orientation in collaboration with Panta Transportation.
• About Panta Transportation
Panta Transportation Pty Ltd, headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions for the global public transportation industry. Founded in 2018, the company has quickly established itself as a pioneer in the field, dedicated to improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of public transport systems. With a strong focus on the Asia-Pacific region, Panta Transportation is committed to redefining urban mobility, ensuring seamless and eco-friendly transportation experiences through its innovative Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) and Fleet Management solutions. (PR)
