Ilocos Norte province is eyeing reactivate the Metro Ilocos Norte Council to provide better public transport system in areas being frequented by tourists. (Photo by Leilanie G. Adriano)
LAOAG CITY -- As Ilocos Norte is poised to become the best little province in the country, the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) sees its return to provide better public transport system in the province.
Before outgoing governor and now senator-elect Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos turns over the key of responsibility to her son, governor-elect Matthew Joseph Manotoc, she said the MINC will be reactivated anytime soon.
Three years ago, the MINC was launched, providing experimental night express public transport services from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. from Laoag City all the way to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
In partnership with the different transport organizations, regular fares were collected from commuters, making use of the Capitol west parking lot as the central terminal.
The Ilocos Norte government also established a gas refilling station to provide gas discounts to all tricycle drivers and public utility jeepney drivers and operators who are members of MINC.
The MINC members were also covered with free life insurance coverage, medical, and at least a 10 percent discount on generic medicines.
A free parking terminal courtesy of the provincial government was also provided to them to better manage the traffic system in Laoag.
The Commission on Audit, however, disallowed this scheme, prompting MINC to halt its operation. With better coordination with COA in terms of government’s expenditures, Marcos hopes to bring back the MINC operation the soonest possible time.
“We will re-activate MINC and open our eastern corridor. We will ask COA to help us how to implement it if we provide fuel subsidy and night shuttle services,” she said.
To ease traffic woes in downtown Laoag, particularly during rush hours, the Ilocos Norte government also plans to lobby for funds for the construction of a third bridge from the Robinsons Land Corporation to Camanggaan, Laoag City and a second airport road. (PNA)
