Transport groups in Pangasinan are hopeful that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s upcoming third State of the Nation Address (SONA) will outline clear initiatives for the transportation sector, including ongoing government support such as fuel subsidies and the service contracting program.

“Ang hiling natin, sana mabanggit ni PBBM sa SONA niya na lahat makatatanggap nitong ayuda na manggagaling sa DOTr (Department of Transportation),” Bernard Tuliao, President of One Pangasinan Transport Federation, said.

Drivers like Jojo Imdisan are calling for increased fuel subsidies. 

“Sana tumaas pa ang fuel subsidy namin para naman sasapat,” Imdisan said.

Meanwhile, the fluctuating prices of petroleum products under the Oil Deregulation Law remain a concern for drivers like Rommel Ferrer.

“Sana bumaba pa ang gasolina kasi mataas na talaga,” Ferrer said.

The Marcos administration is also urged to support local manufacturers of modern jeeps in the country. 

According to Tuliao, using locally manufactured modern jeeps would significantly save operators and cooperatives costs, especially in sourcing spare parts.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 1 has pledged continuous support to the transport sector since Marcos Jr. assumed office.

“Kasi mahal kapag imported; at saka pangalawa, ‘yung mga naka experience na ng modernized vehicle nahihirapan sila sa pag-angkat ng mga spare parts kapag nasira,” LTFRB-1 Director Atty. Annabel Nullar, said.

The transport sector expects recognition and support from the current administration, and hope their importance is acknowledged and supported moving forward.