Considering President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to modernize public utility vehicles (PUVS) is not subject to compromise, all the rallies planned in opposition will go to waste. This situation is a result of the previous administration’s neglect, never caring for clean air and the welfare of individuals who use public transportation.

Even taxicab operations have been remiss when it comes to maintaining their vehicles, with many in need of improved upholstery, air conditioning, engine servicing, along with a wash. In addition, small bus operators do not care for the body or engine of their vehicles.

With the introduction of transport network vehicle service (TNVS), quality of travel for passengers has improved; one such company employing the service is Grab, which operates in Bacolod City and Iloilo City.

As mentioned in a column penned earlier this month: “Imagine the convenience of TNVS for would-be passengers who no longer have to stand under the sun or rain, as is customary when hailing a cab. All they have to do is use the app attached to the TNVS and they can have a taxi or private car to fetch them.

This is not competition for those taxi operators with an old mentality. TNVS only convinces riders to use the service out of convenience.”

Fast and convenient service is important.

Where there is competition, there is better service.

Hopefully, jeepneys will use TNVS in the future as part of Digong’s dream for a better Philippines. Modernization for current jeepney owners seems like a mere dream. However, when there is new opportunity, entrepreneurs must take the chance with new transport programs.

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After spending five days in Cagayan de Oro City, had the opportunity to observe the road scenario, along with the local business climate. The progress of the “this City of Golden Friendship” is too impressive; all three major shopping malls are present, in addition to the native Limketkai Center. The shopping complex also includes the new Limketkai Luxe Hotel, which offers one of the best hotel experiences.

I met with Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno and was hosted by local satellite and cable business entrepreneur LP Paras, who owns the beautiful Seven Seas Waterpark and the Dahilayan Adventure Park. While having dinner at Seven Seas, a few kilometers from the city center, he mentioned owning Dahilayan and I did not hesitate to ask him to bring me there – I could not believe it, the park was world class.

I also dropped by the Del Monte Golf Course and Country Club, where juicy steaks are sold. I bought a kilogram of the stuff, which costs six times more than the beef sold at the markets in Bacolod City.

Cagayan de Oro City has become a commercial and industrialized city, with airport shuttles that utilize comfortable bans and no trisikads are seen along major roads – none at all.

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This column greets Noni Lovina, Fr. Felix Pasquin, George Jardiolin, May Castro, Boy Montalbo, Joanne Yoshida, Harold Geronimo, Venus Salanap, Christine Guevarra, Jim Javellana, Neil Winston Concepcion, Alvin Rongo, Susan Ponce de Leon, Jojo Vito, Dhadha Garcia, Raymund Quinto, and Cathy Cabuga./WDJ