ULAP Convergence Series: Empowering LGUs for Improved Local Public Transportation
MANILA, Philippines - The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) held its first Convergence Series on "Empowering Local Government Units for Improved Local Public Transportation" on April 27, 2023, which brought together national and local government officials, transport experts, technology providers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders to discuss and find solutions to the challenges faced in delivering safe, efficient, and accessible public transport systems.
“Transportation is a crucial component of any community as it enables people to access education, healthcare, jobs, and other essential services,” said Gov. Dax Cua.
The event featured a keynote address by Undersecretary Marlo Iringan of the Department of Interior and Local Government, as well as a message of support from Secretary Jaime Bautista of the Department of Transportation. The ULAP Convergence Series also included four case studies presented by Move Metro Manila on the Province of Quirino, Ilagan City, Isabela, Quezon City, and Sakay.PH. The case studies presented the current situation on local public transport and highlighted the importance of service contracting in ensuring that even underserved communities have access to reliable public transportation as well as how local governments can work together with transport companies to improve the quality and accessibility of public transport. There was also a panel discussion of these studies with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Secretary-General Atty. Mayor Cynthia Falcotelo-Fortes of the Municipality of Barcelona Sorsogon, Mr. Robert Siy, Transport Expert and Convenor of the Move As One Coalition, and Engr. Riza Marie Paches, Board Member of the LTFRB.
The afternoon session was dedicated to presentations on innovative policies and technological solutions for Local Public Transportation by experts from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), DyipPay, AF Payments Inc. (BEEP), South Metro Transport Cooperative, Bobbitech Enterprises, UP National Center for Transportation Studies, the Department of Health (DOH) Health Promotion Bureau, and Galing Pook Foundation.
"The ULAP Convergence Series recognizes the need for convergence between the national government, the local governments, and the private sector to achieve our common goals, and we hope that this forum will spark collaboration and networking among the participants and lead to the development of sustainable and affordable transportation options in our local communities," Gov. Dax Cua added.
The ULAP Convergence Series on "Empowering Local Government Units for Improved Local Public Transportation" aims to inspire and motivate all stakeholders to work together towards developing efficient, reliable, and sustainable public transport systems for local communities, in line with the Philippine Development Plan. The insights and knowledge shared during the event will serve as a foundation for future collaborations and initiatives toward this goal.
The ULAP Convergence Series is supported by the Australian Embassy in the Philippines and The Asia Foundation.
