A group of transport cooperatives in the Davao region has submitted a position paper to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao (LTFRB-11) urging the national government to address the continuing increases in fuel prices.

In its position paper, the Davao Region Association of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations (DRATCC) pushes for the implementation of the fare increase, resumption of the service contracting, lower terminal fees, and other measures to help operators cope with rising fuel costs.

The association has 33 member cooperatives from different provinces in the region.

“Sa tinuod lang gyud, dako ang kadismaya namo nga maayo na lang unta to nga motaas na unta ang pamasahe. Pero mao bitaw akong giingon gahapon nga ang among ginahimo, murag suntok sa buwan kay ang Region 11, one lang sa tibuok Pilipinas. Pero, at least man lang, naa mi gihimo, pamasin,” DRATCC President, Jeanita Bangay, said.

DRATCC acknowledged the potential effects of fare increases on basic goods. However, they said without intervention, transport groups risk falling behind in daily remittances and operational costs.

“Sa tinuod lang pud, ang pagtaas sa pamasahe, dili man gyud siya mao’y sulbad kay kung itaas pud tinuoray gyud ang pamasahe, posible gyud nga motaas pud ang tanan. Pero kung ing-ani na man lang pud nga wala pud gihimo kay ang kanang subsidy nga ihatag by DSWD o sa ilahang fuel subsidy, kanang P5,000 nila, murag 1 day lang man na siya nga consume sa byahe,” Bangaya said.

“Ang ubang cooperative sa transport didto sa Maco, diri dapit sa padulong Baganga, gi-stop na gani nila ang ilang uban nilang operation kay dili na gyud makaya,” Bangay added.

The group also called for a stricter enforcement against colorum vehicles, loan assistance for modernized units, and proper fuel regulation for public land transport.

DRATCC warned that without speedy government action, the availability of transport services for the riding public could be reduced.

The position paper is set to be forwarded to the LTFRB central office.