Motoring Today Column

Jul 27, 2022

Sustainability seems to be the gospel that the automotive and many other industries preach these days.

And count Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) as one of the new fervent apostles for sustainability.

During the celebration of its 25th inaugural anniversary, IPC unveiled its new "Road to Progress" vision that it proclaims is founded on sustainability.

The celebration was held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City attended by shareholders, dealers, suppliers, banks, media, VIPs from industry association and IPC executives and employees.

In an interview with Sunshine Television, producer of Auto Focus and Motoring Today, the country's longest-running motoring television program, IPC President Noboru Murakami said: "Is uzu Philippines Corporation is celebrating its 25th anniversary and on this occasion we have the privilege to share our story of success, celebrate milestones and thank the people who have been our responsible partners in the past 25 years.

"As a leading brand for 22 consecutive years, Isuzu Philippines believes it's time for us to forge a new path, one that allows us not just to be your responsible partner but also your sustainable partner."

In a presentation during the event, it was explained that this new Road to Progress vision " aims to realign IPC's business process through a new perspective focusing on environment, social and governance aspect."

This "goes beyond providing durable, fuel-efficient, and environment-friendly products to give the best transport and business solutions to Filipinos," IPC said.

Citing an example of this new vision, IPC said it is "shifting its energy source from coal power plant to renewable sources like solar power plant to decrease carbon emission of its manufacturing plant."

It is "also encouraging its dealers to follow its lead in switching to renewable energy in the next years, envisioning lower carbon footprint for the entire Isuzu dealer network."

Also in an interview with Sunshine Television, IPC Assistant Division Head for Marketing Robert Carlos said: " As we move to the next 25 years and beyond, Isuzu Philippines commits to continue to be the responsible partner to every Filipino by providing the best in transport business solutions with the new road to progress drive towards a more sustainable future for everyone."

On a more personal note, we are happy to learn that during the celebration, IPC honored the many pioneers of the company now retired who've been our friends and good partners over the years of STV covering the automotive industry.

These include Arthur Balmadrid, who retired as senior vice president, and other leaders such as Myrna Valle, who headed administration, Arnel Deunida of the manufacturing division, Joseph Bautista of sales, marketing and product development, and Edward De Guzman of after-sales.

Our friends starred in a video presentation, sharing their experience in helping IPC grow in the early years and laying the foundation for the company's success in the years to come.

LTFRB Assurance

Commuters should be happy to hear the assurance from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that it has sufficient funds to cover free bus rides at the EDSA Carousel until September of this year.

The LTFRB gave this assurance while virtually admitting that the shortage of buses on the EDSA Carousel was mainly caused by delays in the payment to bus operators.

News reports quoted new LTFRB Chairperson Cheloy Garafil as saying: "We started the payout at Week Six and so far, we have already paid for part of the Week 10. We told them (bus companies) not to rush us in paying because we are doing our best to ensure an updated payout for them."

Garafil added that she has gotten assurances from the bus operators of deploying sufficient number of units during rush hours.

"We are confident and we're relying on the words of our consortia that operate the busway that they will keep their word to maximize the deployment of 440 vehicles especially during hours," she said in news reports.

Bus operators are supposed to deploy as many as 440 units on the EDSA Carousel during rush hours.

However bus operators have only been deploying around half of that number with drivers complaining that they are not being paid for the work.

Commuters are praying the bus operators and the LTFRB are true to their word.

License Plate Backlog

Another government agency also having problems funding vital programs is the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

During the regular Laging Handa press briefing, LTO office-in-charge Romeo Vera Cruz revealed the agency needs more funds - around P6.8 billion - to solve the problem of backlogs in the issuance of license plates for four-wheeled and two-wheeled motor vehicles.

The LTO maintains it already has the machines, facilities and equipment to manufacture license plates.

But Vera Cruz indicated it needs more funds to procure the materials needed for producing the license plates.

Happy Motoring!!!

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(website) www.motoringtoday.ph