Dinagat Islands gets first-ever fleet of buses for public transport
GOVERNOR Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao’s vision of establishing an efficient inter-connected public transport system in the Province of Dinagat Islands that links seven municipalities within the island province is slowly being realized.
In support of that vision, Cagdianao Mining Corp. (CMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), with operations in barangay Valencia, in Dinagat Island, turns three units of brand new buses, backing Governor Bag-ao’s “Dinagatlink” – a transport system that is part of a developmental agenda to transport people and goods efficiently.
“It is not enough that we have roads, it is important that there will be movements in these roads, a transport system that will move people and products,” says Gov. Bag-ao.
Part of Governor Bag-ao’s initiatives is the opening up of road networks in the province that systematize its public land transportation.
Bag-ao also acknowledges CMC for the mining company’s contributions
in opening up and building roads that now connect the barangays and the municipalities of the island to the business and trade centers of the province.
The governor herself led the unveiling of a 19.2-kilometer access road last August 2020, a development project that CMC has initiated, as part of the mining company’s social responsibility programs. The access road costs some P12.2 Million which was funded with the company’s Social Development and Management Program and Corporate Social Responsibility funds.
Bag-ao cites the social and economic benefits of opening up new roads that now enable, for the first time, land travel for residents who had been relying solely on sea transport. The governor says efficient roads and transport system
help ensure the sustainability of development initiatives being undertaken by the government in partnership with the private sector.
CMC’S donation of a fleet of new 30-seater buses amounting to P10.8
Million brings bus transport to Dinagat Islands for the first time, getting the residents all excited.
With the new and opened roads, the buses will not only generate income, from fares based on the imposed standard of the LTRFB, but will be vital for mobility of goods and services, and in transporting people safely, especially during this challenging time of the pandemic.
“CMC’S support to ‘Dinagatlink’ represents the company’s aspirations for a sustainable development in the province of Dinagat Islands”, says Engr. Arnilo C. Milaor, Resident Mine Manager.
Bag-ao also commends CMC for its efforts in protecting the environment and the health of Dinagatnons and in contributing as the island province continues its steps to economic growth.
“I agree that the only way to develop is to have growth and I thank CMC for the opportunity to tell everyone that a ‘stakeholder-ship’ relations with companies working in Dinagat Islands is possible,” the governor says.