A high-level consultative meeting initiated by Assistant Secretary Vergel Hilario, Head of the Human Service Cooperatives Cluster and concurrent Head of the Public Utilities Cooperatives Cluster, was successfully held on February 26, 2026 at Madison 101 + Tower in Quezon City. The engagement brought together officers of various Transport Cooperative Federations alongside key officials of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), including Assistant Secretary Luz Yringco, Deputy Administrators Mr. Ray Elevazo, and Atty. Lea Banagui-Han, to openly discuss pressing concerns and future development initiatives affecting the country’s transportation sector.
A Platform for Dialogue and Collaboration
The consultative meeting served as an avenue to strengthen coordination between the government and transport cooperatives while providing updates on policies and programs influencing public transport operations nationwide. More importantly, it allowed cooperative federation leaders to directly communicate the realities faced by transport operators and drivers on the ground.
Participants emphasized that continuous dialogue is essential as the transport sector undergoes a significant transition brought about by modernization efforts, regulatory reforms, and evolving commuter demands.
Key Issues and Concerns Raised
During the discussions, transport cooperative federation officers articulated several operational and policy-related challenges currently affecting their members. Among the primary concerns highlighted were:
- Regulatory compliance requirements
- Operational challenges
- Drivers’ welfare
- Implementation of modernization initiatives
Federation representatives underscored that while modernization aims to improve public transport systems, clearer communication, capacity-building support, and coordinated implementation are necessary to ensure that cooperatives and small operators are not left behind.
Constructive recommendations were also presented, focusing on improving service delivery standards while ensuring commuter safety, operational sustainability, and cooperative viability.
Inter-Agency Coordination Identified as Key Solution
Recognizing that many concerns extend beyond a single agency’s mandate, participants agreed on the importance of coordinated engagement with relevant government institutions, including:
- Department of Transportation (DOTr)
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)
- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
The group agreed to formally consolidate and present sector sentiments and policy concerns to these agencies to promote harmonized solutions and responsive policy adjustments.
Creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG)
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) dedicated to addressing transport cooperative federation concerns. Mr. Misael Melinas was designated as coordinator to lead discussions and follow-through actions on priority matters, including:
- Updates on the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP)
- Clarification of modernization objectives
- LTFRB route and selection processes
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) concerns
- Colorum operations issues
- Consolidation challenges among operators
- Implementation of Automated Fare Collection Systems (AFCS)
The TWG is expected to serve as a continuing mechanism for problem-solving, policy feedback, and program monitoring.
Moving Forward with a Unified Direction
The consultative meeting concluded with a shared commitment among government officials and transport federation leaders to maintain open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and sustained partnership. Participants emphasized that a unified approach is essential to achieving a modern, inclusive, and sustainable transport system that balances regulatory goals with the welfare of operators, drivers, and the commuting public.
The activity marked a significant step toward institutionalizing dialogue and ensuring that sector reforms move forward with stakeholder participation at the core of transport development.
