Bicol cooperatives choose Hyundai modern PUVs

Hundreds of Hyundai modern public utility vehicles (PUV) will soon be turned over to transport cooperatives in Bicol.

In a statement, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) said that a total of 450 Hyundai modernized public vehicles will be acquired by 30 transport groups after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during the latest Biyahenyo Caravan.

With the signed agreement, HARI said that the transport groups have solidified their commitment to support the nationwide PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The caravan — made in partnership with Hyundai Trucks and Buses Alabang — was held at The Oriental Albay Hotel. Gracing the event were Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 5 Director PNP Major General Antonio Gardiola, Jr., HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, Hyundai Alabang Inc. Chief Operating Officer Maxwell Quilat, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)-Legazpi Lending Center Senior Assistant Vice President Francisco Sayson, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)-Albay Lending Center Account Officer Armel Alcantara, and AF Payments Inc. Head of Transportation Bing Barraquias.

In his brief remarks, Gardiola commended HARI’s PUV modernization efforts in the region.

“Everyone came to a halt during the pandemic but we must move on and find ways to drive the PUV Modernization Program. We invited our future partners and I am very glad that Hyundai is one among them who is very active in this endeavor. In fact, they are the first ones to come up with this kind of program here in Bicol.”

Meanwhile, Agudo expressed her gratitude for the groups’ trust and support to the Hyundai brand, saying that the value of Hyundai modern PUV extends beyond meeting the needs of the daily commute.

“What matters most to us is the fact that the Hyundai modern PUV is helping boost the economy of the Bicol region, and of every Philippine province, city, and municipality that it finds itself. It is a vehicle for connecting communities, moving people and products for major industries, showcasing the beauty of the regions, and, in so doing, it gives a boost to the quality of life of individuals and communities,” Agudo noted.

For his part, Quilat expressed confidence that the Hyundai Class 2 and Class 3 models “will help grow transport business” as his team will be assisting customers with their aftersales concerns.

The recent MOU signing follows the successful turnover of 15 Class 3 HD50S Modern PUV units to Bulusan Transport Service Cooperative (BULTRASCO) last April in Sorsogon.

In 2020, 23 Hyundai modernized public transports were released to the Tabaco-Legazpi Transport Cooperative (TALETRANSCO) in Albay.

Since its inception back in 2017, HARI has already delivered more than 500 examples of its modern PUV around the country “in its bid to be a ‘partner in every way’ of local governments and cooperatives in making public transport across the nation safer, more comfortable, reliable, sustainable, and more accessible to every Filipino.”

Photos from Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.

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