Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
SOON, commuters in Tarlac will experience riding modernized public-utility vehicles (PUVs) to travel within the towns of Paniqui and Gerona.
Recently, Isuzu Philippines Incorporated turned over to the Paniqui Gerona Tarlac Transport Services Cooperative (PGT Transeco), which is an umbrella organization of Pasang Masda. After turning over units to various transport groups in the Metro and other regions, IPC finally rolled out these Isuzu modern PUVs in the province for the first time. Since last year, IPC is in full swing in delivering its commitment to support the government in ramping up its 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 IPC Division Head of Sales Joseph Bautista. The turnover ceremony was also attended by LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III, Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap, Almazora Motors Corp. President Conrad Almazora, and INTECO Group CEO Raymond Jarina, among others.
Delgra, for his part, believes that the role of the private sectors, particularly the auto manufacturers like Isuzu, is the key element in the PUV modernization program. “Why? Because they provide the required units that we need in the implementation of this program. The PUVMP actually applies to all form of public transport but there is much focus on the jeepneys because this is the sector that has been left behind in the modernization program,” he explained. “This modernization program is not only about simply replacing the old units with new ones, but also replacing old practices with new modern system that will run our public transport system in a more efficient, affordable and predictable manner,” added Delgra. Meanwhile, the 20 modern PUV units turned over by IPC were based on the Isuzu QKR77 light-duty truck platform—the same type of units previously delivered to other transport groups in the country. Its unified body was designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp. utilizing the Class 2 air-conditioned (Coolaire) model with side-facing bench configuration that could easily accommodate about 22 commuters. Locally assembled, the Isuzu QKR platform is equipped with a Euro 4-compliant 4JH1-TC turbo diesel engine designed to deliver excellent fuel economy. It generates 105 hp and 230 N-m of maximum torque.
Moreover, the new PUV body is compliant to Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017). This translates to passenger cabin floor-to-ceiling height and gangway width of 1,780 mm and 830 mm, respectively. That’s means more space for passengers to move easily inside. The passenger door, meantime, is safely situated on the right-hand side, facing the sidewalk. Other design features of the body include panoramic windows and windshields, full-body insulation with GeneQ shield, door closer, ECE-compliant headlamps, brake system, wipers, windshield washer, and side view mirrors, and provisions for persons with disabilities. As for modern features, these modern PUV units are fitted with GPS navigation system, CCTV cameras and built-in speed limiter. All these, primarily, are for passengers’ safety.
Truth be told, Isuzu has created a name for the Filipino drivers and operators as an ever-reliable partner in providing excellent after-sales support. “Today, we are very proud to say that Isuzu continues its legacy by having these Isuzu PUVs as one of the pioneers under the government’s PUV modernization program,” said Bautista. “We would like to thank Paniqui Gerona Tarlac Transport Services Cooperative and Pasang Masda for trusting our company in providing their first fleet of modern PUVs. We are confident that these units will be able to provide them a more durable, comfortable and safe transport solution for the riding public,” he concluded.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino, Isuzu Philippines Incorporated