The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao (LTFRB-Davao) has successfully consolidated 86% of Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) units outside of Davao City as part of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP). This was confirmed by Eng. Ronnel Victor Panigon, head of the PUVMP of LTFRB-Davao, during the Kapihan sa PIA on January 12, 2024. The deadline for consolidation, set for December 31, 2023, was met by LTFRB-Davao, which is currently operating 73 modernized PUVs in the region. Routes with a consolidation rate of 60% and above will continue to operate under their existing Provisional Authority (PA) until December 31, 2024, while those with less than 60% may be issued a Special Permit to operate for three months. Atty. Ernest Benz Davila, chief Transportation Development Office of LTFRB-Davao, cited unconfirmed individual operators and non-renewal of registration at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as reasons for not reaching 100% consolidation. However, operators who have consolidated their units are in the process of acquiring modernized PUJ units through loan programs of financial government institutions. As of now, there are 73 modernized units in Davao del Sur and none in Davao del Norte, but Panigon is optimistic about launching the program in the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, Panigon anticipates the implementation of additional guidelines for the PUVMP after January 31, 2024. Read The Rest at :