Set to be operational in the first quarter of 2024, the Davao High Priority Bus System (Davao HPBS) is now gaining stronger grounds with the presence of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Mission here in Davao City. The HPBS Teams of the Department of Transportation and the City Government of Davao, spearheaded a series of activities as part of the ADB’s major engagement for the Davao HPBS.
The LTFRB XI, headed by Regional Director Nonito Llanos III, joined and supported several activities of this Mission. The on-going week-long event consists of consultations with stakeholders, focus group discussions, training and workshops, and site visits to different HPBS sites in the city. The ADB Mission, headed by Mr. Shuji Kimura and was highlighted by the presence. ADB VP himself Ahmed M. Saeed. Mr. Saeed was welcomed and received by DOTr Usec. Anneli Lontoc and by Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
Among the highlights was Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte's expression of appreciation and support during courtesy call at the Davao City Hall. The Mayor said that the city is very grateful for ADB, the DOTr and fellow government servants for giving priority and focus to HPBS. He underscored the importance of an efficient mass transport system especially because Davaenos “value quality of life”. “We believe we cannot move forward if we stick to traditional means and method of our mass transit”, he reiterated.
During the same meeting, ADB Vice President, Ahmed M. Saeed expressed during the this that since 1966, the ADB has assisted the Philippines with a total of around $30B and half of that was done during the Duterte Administration, in supporting Build, Build Build and in dealing with Covid-19. “ And it is our goal to continue this level of energy into this next phase of out relationshjp with the Philippines, he stressed.
The mission commenced last September 19, Monday and was set in motion with terminal site visits which was followed by coordination meeting with transport sector agencies in Davao region was conducted at the LTFRB XI Hearing room last Monday, September 19.
The topics explored were the overview of Davao HPBS project and its updates and the Memorandum of Undertaking for the Davao HPBS driving school. The delegates from ADB Mission team were also given a tour inside LTFRB XI premises, showcasing the Driver’s Academy Training Building.
On Tuesday, September 20, the LTFRB XI, led by Regional Director Nonito Llanos III, attended the Davao HPBS Consultation Engagement with Panabo-Davao Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) Drivers and Operators in Panabo City.
The program sought to provide a platform for the beneficiaries and stakeholders to air their concerns and ask questions about the Social Development Program (SDP) component of Davao HPBS. It primarily discussed the implementation of the SDP, not only for Davao-based PUJ drivers and operators but also for the PUJ drivers and operators in Panabo City in the event of the implementation of Davao HPBS. During the dialogue City Social Welfare and Development Office Head Atty. Marlisa Gallo emphasized that, “First and foremost, while we welcome development, while we welcome the Davao HPBS project, we need to also make sure nga atoang mga tao nga maigo ana, dili gyod mapasagdan.”
LTFRB XI also joined the HPBS- ADB Mission’s updating session on Social Development Programs also on September 20, together with partner implementing agencies DTI, DOLE and CHED.
The LTFRB XI, under the dedicated leadership of RD Llanos, assures the Davao City Government and the ADB Mission of the agency’s cooperation towards realizing the high priority bus system, especially on drivers’ training and social development program support. The LTFRB believes that this Mission has set us more than a step higher towards achieving a comprehensive reformation of the public transportation landscape in Davao City. Thus, we congratulate the HPBS Teams of DOTr and Davao City Government for a successful Mission. (PR- LTFRBXI- CommDev)
source: LTFRB Region XI - Davao
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