The Malapatan Drivers Operators Transport Cooperative (MDOTC) in Malapatan, Sarangani recently acquired its first brand new unit of a modernized public utility jeepney as part of the Department of Transportation’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The cooperative, the biggest in the municipality, is expecting nine more units for delivery upon complete processing of documents. Priced at P3-million apiece, the modern jeep which plies the Malapatan-Gen Santos City route, is compliant with the DOTr’s safety and environmental standards. Once fully implemented, the modernization program is also expected to eradicate the proliferation of colorum public transportation in the town, which is considered the cultural hub of Sarangani because of its Blaan lumad and Maguindanaon Moro communities.
The town’s modernization program is made possible with the support of the Office of the Governor, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Malapatan Municipal Government, and the Sarangani Congressional District Office.
In photo are MDOTC chairperson Virgilia Bendulo and Sarangani Transport Alliance for Reform and True Development (STARTeD) chairperson Merly Nebres at the ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the first unit of the modern jeep.