As the PUV modernization is making headway nationwide, the Isuzu modern PUVs can now also be of service in the city of Tarlac.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) turned over 20 units of their PUV units to one of Pasang Masda’s umbrella organization, the Paniqui Gerona Tarlac Trasnport Services Cooperative (PGT Transeco) last week in Paniqui, Tarlac. This is in cooperation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Also present during the turn-over were LTRFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra III, Almazora president Conrad Almazora, INTECO CEO and President Raymond Jarina and IPC Sales Division Head Joseph Bautista.

The purchase partnership between IPC and PGT Transeco was facilitated by the Isuzu Quezon Avenue dealership.

IPC’s modernized PUVs have been assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform and the rear body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp. These are air-conditioned Class 2 vehicles with a side-facing seat configuration.  The Isuzu QKR platform is assembled in the Philippines and is equipped with the Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC diesel engine that delivers better fuel economy and cleaner emissions than jeepneys.

The new PUV body is compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017), all geared for passengers' safety and added convenience in fare collection.

The new PUVs warranty coverage for cab and chassis is 3 years or 150,000-kilometers, whichever comes first, and separate warranty for body, aircon and accessories, options not available for old jeepneys.

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin B Delgra III commended IPC for their continuous support of the PUV Modernization Program.

“Automakers like Isuzu Philippines Corporation play a key role in the modernization program since they provide the units that we need to make this program move forward,” said Delgra.

“This modernization program actually addresses not simply replacing old units with new ones, but also replacing old practices with new modern systems that will make the transport system more efficient, more affordable and predictable. This is what the President has been saying ‘Let’s give the Filipino a comfortable life’,” added Delgra.

The turnover is seen as IPC’s headway into the largely untapped modernized PUV market in the province, and the leading Japanese truck manufacturer's clear show of support for the government's ongoing Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“We are very honored to be providing them their modern PUVs as PGT Transeco leads the PUV modernization program rolled out by the local government here in Paniqui, Tarlac,” said Joseph Bautista, Division Head of Sales at IPC.

 “We are confident that these units will be able to provide them a more durable, comfortable and safe transport solution to the riding public,” added Bautista.

The PUVMP is envisioned to replace some 250,000 jeepneys nationwide with new, safe and environment-friendly, secure, convenient and comfortable PUVs.