By Nimfa Estrellado The newly established LTO Bondoc Peninsula District Office in Catanauan promises to bring vital land transportation serv...
 |
| The newly established LTO Bondoc Peninsula District Office in Catanauan promises to bring vital land transportation services closer to communities, reducing travel burden for residents. (Reynan Arrogancia) |
CATANAUAN, QUEZON – A new Land Transportation Office (LTO) District Office is set to ease burdens for Bondoc Peninsula residents. On April 11, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12154 (House Bill No. 9047), converting the LTO Extension Office in Catanauan into the full-fledged LTO Bondoc Peninsula District Office.
This new law, titled "AN ACT CONVERTING THE EXTENSION OFFICE OF THE LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CATANAUAN, PROVINCE OF QUEZON, INTO A DISTRICT OFFICE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR," directly brings essential transportation services closer to the region, cutting travel time and costs for its communities.
The new district office is a direct result of advocacy by Quezon 3rd District Representative Reynan Arrogancia. Passed by the Nineteenth Congress during its Third Regular Session, the measure addresses long-standing inconvenience for communities across Catanauan, San Narciso, San Andres, Mulanay, Buenavista, and surrounding towns.
For years residents faced considerable travel distances for LTO transactions, often requiring journeys of several hours to reach the main LTO office in Lucena City, the provincial capital. This involved significant expenses for transportation fares and often meant losing a full day's work or school. This new law eliminates that burden, making crucial government services easily accessible within their own region.
The LTO Bondoc Peninsula District Office will provide a full range of services, which were previously only available in distant LTO hubs, often located hours away. These now include convenient motor vehicle registration and renewal, vital for private owners and local businesses who face these requirements annually.
It will also handle the issuance and renewal of driver's and conductor's licenses, directly benefiting many individuals whose livelihoods depend on these documents. The office will also offer local vehicle inspection services, saving time and fuel, and process various permits and miscellaneous transactions, simplifying administrative tasks.
"This law delivers direct relief to our kababayans, They no longer need to spend a whole day and significant money just to renew a license or register a vehicle. We have brought the government's services right here, making their lives easier and more convenient." Congressman Arrogancia added.
Republic Act No. 12154 ensures the office's sustainable operation. Section 2 of the Act mandates the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to immediately include the operationalization of the LTO Bondoc Peninsula District Office in the Department's program. Initial funding for the office will be charged against the current extension office budget, ensuring a seamless transition without service interruption. Future operational costs will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, assuring consistent and reliable service delivery to the community for years to come.
The DoTr is also tasked with establishing necessary rules and regulations for the smooth transition and operation of the district office. This step aims to ensure an efficient and user-friendly experience for all, focusing on streamlined processes and clear guidelines to minimize citizen waiting times.
Republic Act No. 12154 takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a national newspaper. The LTO Bondoc Peninsula District Office is now prepared to begin full operations, signifying a tangible and immediate improvement in public service accessibility for Bondoc Peninsula residents.
No comments