Cebu gears up for Apec meetings

THE Cebu provincial government is taking steps to ensure the success of the province’s hosting of a number of high-level meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in 2015.

Representatives of the Land and Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and tourist bus operators yesterday met with Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale to iron out problems in the transportation sector.

The meeting aimed to secure the availability of tourist vehicles for the Apec meetings.

Allan Salmero, president of the Federation of Tourist Transport Operators in Cebu, said the present number of tourist buses in Cebu can still satisfy the demand for vehicles.

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said they can issue new franchises if the need arises.

“Basically, it was discussed that provincial tourist buses should maintain high standards especially now that the Apec summit is coming. We will do our best to satisfy the needs and demands of the tourists,” he said.

Magpale said the number of tourists visiting Cebu province has significantly increased in the past year.

“It is really getting bigger so they asked if there are franchises coming,” she said. /Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos