Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippines’ journey toward a sustainable and inclusive transport future received a strong boost as House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez reaffirmed his full support for the country’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, placing Filipino ingenuity at the center of this nationwide effort.
On Saturday afternoon, Speaker Romualdez met with Francisco Motors executives — Chairman Elmer Francisco and President & CEO Dominic Francisco — alongside transport group leaders at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City during a showcase of modernized jeepney units.
The event highlighted the revival of the iconic Filipino jeepney, now reborn as a safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable vehicle for the modern commuter.
✨ Modern Jeepneys for a Modern Era
During the showcase, Speaker Romualdez personally tested both the EURO4-compliant diesel-powered Francisco Passenger Jeepney (FPJ) and the fully electric PINOY Transporter. These units, designed and built by Francisco Motors, feature:
-
Air-conditioning for passenger comfort
-
CCTV systems for security
-
Right-side entry and emergency exits for safer boarding
-
Accessibility for Persons with Disability (PWDs)
“These jeepneys are safer, more efficient, and better for the environment,” Speaker Romualdez remarked after the test ride. “Modernization isn’t just about new vehicles — it’s about improving the daily lives of drivers and passengers.”
He further emphasized that modernization must honor tradition:
“The jeepney has long been a symbol of Filipino ingenuity. As we modernize, we must preserve its cultural value while making it more responsive to today’s needs.”
Driving Jobs and Inclusive Growth
Beyond transport, Romualdez underscored the critical economic role of local manufacturers like Francisco Motors.
“Supporting local businesses is key to building a strong economy. When we invest in Filipino-made products, we invest in our people,” he said.
Chairman Elmer Francisco estimated that the country will need 250,000 new units of public utility vehicles under the modernization program. With proper support, local companies like Francisco Motors could produce these units at lower costs than imported alternatives, while creating thousands of jobs in manufacturing, spare parts production, and related industries.
Local transport leaders echoed the sentiment. Ely Villena, president of PISTON-NCR, praised the durability of locally-made units, saying:
“Yung gawa dito matibay — jeep ko mahigit 30 taon na tumatakbo pa rin ng maayos. Yung imported, kahit tatlong taon pa lang, may mga problema na.”
A Commitment to Sustainable Transport
Speaker Romualdez pledged to secure greater congressional budget allocations for modernization, ensuring drivers and operators are not left behind during the transition.
“As Speaker, I am committed to securing more funding to help modernize our transport system while protecting livelihoods and the environment,” he said.
Francisco Motors, now led by the father-and-son team of Elmer and Dominic Francisco, continues its 78-year legacy of innovation — from post-war ingenuity to today’s electric and hydrogen-powered fleets. With government backing, the company aims not only to supply the Philippines but also to export Filipino-made modern jeepneys to markets across ASEAN and Africa.
The Road Ahead
The partnership between government, industry, and transport groups is a clear signal that Filipino-made solutions can drive the nation’s future. With Speaker Romualdez’s endorsement, Francisco Motors is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping a greener, more inclusive, and globally competitive public transport system.
The modernization program is more than a policy initiative — it is a nation-building movement where every ride in a jeepney becomes a journey toward a cleaner, stronger, and proudly Filipino future.
