Photo from MOTC
COTABATO CITY—A new route directly traversing from Cotabato City to Wao, in Lanao del Sur, and vice versa, will soon be opened following its successful road testing with Husky Bus Transport Inc. on Monday, March 6, 2023.
According to the Bangsamoro Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (BLTFRB) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC), this is to put more public utility vehicles on the road and meet the rising passenger demand.
“Having a Land Transportation Office (LTO) functional office, regulated transportation services, and serviceable runway would bring life to robust economic opportunities providing access to employment, social, health, and education services, making a road transport network crucial in fighting against poverty,” said MOTC Minister Atty. Paisalin Tago.
During the pilot testing, Husky bus units underwent a series of physical tests, both in terms of strength and driving stability, flexibility, and carrying capacity.
Arnold Agulto, a bus driver, managed to go back and forth with his entire passenger safely for a three-and-a-half-hour one-way trip. The bus navigated through the main road, traversing Rangayen and Guiling of Alamada, Malinaw, Gastap, Katutungan, Boot of Malinaw, and Poblacion Wao.
In support of this endeavor, Bangsamoro key officials, along with the Service Directors, Section Heads, and other concerned stakeholders witnessed the event as this would highlight the ministry’s mission of a fast, reliable, and efficient service of transporting people and goods, particularly in this part of the region.
Meanwhile, Wao Municipal Mayor Elvino Balicao welcomed the party and presented his development agenda, specifically on opening the tourism industry in the area.
The town mayor pointed out the identified issues on road infrastructure and airport development that would enable connectivity and safe mobility of people and goods.
The BLTFRB also visited and assessed the WAO Airport Strip for a feasibility study to further develop and inspect transportation terminals, as well as conduct information dissemination to educate drivers and operators for renewal and registration of their franchises in the BARMM. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO with reports from MOTC)
