Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, co-sponsor of Republic Act 12173, praised the signing of the new law that upgrades the Land Transportation Office (LTO) District Office in Mati City, Davao Oriental, from a Class D to a Class C office. Go called the move a significant development aimed at improving public services in the region.

Go, who is seeking reelection in May, emphasized the importance of making government services more accessible to people in rural areas. “As someone from Mindanao, it’s very important to me that government services are closer to our fellow citizens in the provinces. They shouldn’t always have to travel and make sacrifices just to get the right services,” he said.

RA 12173 mandates the enhancement of LTO’s administrative capacity and allocates necessary funds for improving facilities and services. The law is designed to address the growing demand for transportation services in Mati City and nearby areas, driven by the region’s economic growth.

Upgrading an LTO District Office from Class D to Class C significantly boosts the office’s ability to handle more complex services, such as the registration of larger vehicles. The upgrade also allows the office to offer additional services not available in a Class D office, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for certain transactions.

Go stressed that measures like RA 12173 are crucial to promoting inclusive development, ensuring that no community is left behind. “Every Filipino, no matter where they are in the country, should feel that they are not forgotten by the government,” he added.

The law directs the Department of Transportation and the LTO to promptly implement the office upgrade. This includes hiring more personnel, improving infrastructure, and delivering more efficient services to residents and motorists in Davao Oriental.

Go also expressed hope that the enhanced LTO office will streamline transportation operations in the region, reduce bureaucratic delays, and make government services more accessible to the public.