February 6-7, 2025 – In a bid to strengthen the regulation and modernization of public transportation in Tacurong City, two significant events took place, underscoring the city’s commitment to ensuring a well-organized and fair transport system.
On February 6, the City Tricycle Franchising Regulatory Board (CTFRB), through the Office of the City Legal led by Atty. Althea Mae Casador-Fabale, conducted a general assembly aimed at educating, updating, and addressing concerns of tricycle franchisees, operators, and drivers. The event sought to enhance compliance with laws and regulations governing local transport operations.
Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) member, Hon. Bernardino L. Umadhay, Jr., Chairperson of the SP Committee on Transportation, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the necessity of staying informed about regulatory processes at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and CTFRB. Representing City Mayor Joseph George L. Lechonsito, MD, DPA, SP member Hon. Geronimo P. Arzagon reiterated the administration’s support for tricycle operators and drivers, urging them to uphold road safety and remain engaged in cooperative matters.
Atty. Casador-Fabale highlighted the Amended CTRB Ordinance, announcing Tacurong’s milestone as the first city in the province to fully implement the Franchising Ordinance, initially mandated in 1998. She also noted the city’s pioneering efforts in working with the Land Transportation Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) Gas Subsidy Program.
Additionally, Ms. Mary Ann Trabado of LTO Tacurong discussed the key provisions of Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation Code, while Ms. Charro Muyco of the City Social Welfare and Development Office provided insights on Republic Act 11313, known as the Safe Spaces Act or Anti-Bastos Law. Atty. Ryan Alair, City Local Government Operations Officer, updated attendees on the LTFRB’s Gas Subsidy Program, confirming that payouts for 2023 beneficiaries had commenced.
The assembly concluded with an open forum, allowing attendees to raise concerns and seek clarifications. Also present were SP member Hon. Nestor D. Casador and Mr. Robert Trinidad, Civil Security Unit Officer.
Continuing the city’s transport initiatives, on February 7, City Mayor Lechonsito led the signing of the Service Contracting Program (SCP) Phase 5 agreement with the LTFRB and several transport cooperatives at the City Mayor’s Conference Room.
The agreement, funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024, aims to enhance public transportation while ensuring fair and stable pay for drivers and operators. Participating transport cooperatives included:
✅ Maguindanao Express Transport Cooperative
✅ Luck Start Multi-Purpose Cooperative
✅ SOTRATSCO Transport Cooperative
✅ Lambayong Tacurong City Transport Service Cooperative
✅ Esperanza Transport Service Cooperative
✅ Sultan Kudarat Multicab Operators Multi-Purpose Cooperative
✅ Isulan Tacurong Transport Cooperative
✅ Isulan Multicab Operators and Drivers Transport Cooperative
✅ Datu Paglas Transport Cooperative
These developments reinforce Tacurong City’s commitment to efficient and well-regulated public transportation, ensuring safer and more sustainable mobility for residents and operators alike.
