Leaders from the Auto Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP) and the Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA) met with Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon and Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque to reinforce industry support for the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). The meeting marked a significant step toward aligning public and private sector efforts in modernizing the country’s transport infrastructure.
Held at the Department of Trade and Industry, the high-level dialogue focused on addressing implementation gaps and leveraging the capabilities of local manufacturers to produce world-class modern public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Key government attendees included Secretaries Roque and Dizon, along with Assistant Secretaries Dioscoro “Jojo” Reyes and Michelle “Mich” De Vera, Chief of Staff Allan Yap, and PMO representative Zion Yuson. Representing the industry were PPMA President Ferdinand Raquelsantos, ABMAP President Bimbo Mills, ABMAP officer Rommel Juan, PPMA officer Allen Rufo, and ABMAP Executive Director Edgar Manuel.
ABMAP underscored the capability of the local manufacturing sector to deliver on PTMP goals, sharing recommendations to enhance financing access for operators, simplify compliance processes, and standardize vehicle design criteria.
“Our industry is ready to contribute to a modern, sustainable transport system that is built by Filipinos for Filipinos,” said ABMAP President Bimbo Mills. “We welcome the collaborative spirit of Secretaries Dizon and Roque, who have shown genuine commitment to working hand-in-hand with the private sector.”
The dialogue concluded with a shared resolve to strengthen inter-sectoral coordination, ensuring that the modernization agenda remains inclusive, technically sound, and economically viable for all stakeholders.
