Preparations are underway for the establishment of a Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Dinagat Islands, Dinagat Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. said.
“The opening of a regular LTO district office is a great relief for the people of Dinagat Islands,” Demerey stressed.
The governor met with the top officials of the LTO in the Caraga Region, led by acting Regional Director Danielo Merson Borja, in Butuan City to discuss matters regarding the district office.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law on April 27, 2022, Republic Act 11745 mandating the establishment of an LTO district office in the capital town of San Jose in the province.
The measure was authored by Dinagat Islands Rep. Alan 1 Ecleo.
Currently, Dinagat Island residents have to travel to the mainland in Surigao City to renew their licenses and vehicle registrations.
“It’s a burden for us to travel by boat and stay for at least two days in Surigao City just to transact with the LTO.”
“It’s a burden for us to travel by boat and stay for at least two days in Surigao City just to transact with the LTO,” Demerey said.
He said an area inside the capitol site in San Jose town has been designated for the LTO district office.
Borja said no definite time yet is set for the opening of the district office, but a team from the LTO regional office will schedule an inspection of the area.
“Once we establish that the LTO will have an adequate building and a spacious area for impounding, then we will start delivery of equipment and other apparatus.”
“Once we establish that the LTO will have an adequate building and a spacious area for impounding, then we will start delivery of equipment and other apparatus needed for the operation of a regular district office in the Dinagat,” Borja said.
He said their office is currently working with the Provincial Planning and Development Office to get the needed data, including the population and the number of vehicles in the island province.