AMBISYON NATIN 2040: GOOD TRANSPORT FACILITIES

REA S. SERRANO

Van… SUV… AUV… Sedan… Tricycle...Motorcycle...Either of these cars is preferred to be owned by Filipinos depending on their financial status as surveyed by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the Ambition Natin 2040 of the Duterte’s administration.

According to NEDA’s survey, Filipinos want to be mobile where majority -77 % of the respondents would like to own their own vehicle. Only 23% rely on good public transportation. Having a good transport facility also means an indispensable feature of developing society. In fact, the economic development of a certain country largely depends on efficient transport system.

In our country, car owners are continuously increasing every day. Personal cars allow them to have their own independent means of transport, a sense of freedom and comfort. One more reason is that nowadays, it is easier to own a car because of the more affordable down payments, effortless processing of auto loan application, and flexible payment system provided by car companies and loan providers.

Filipino families dreamt to own their own car because they can utilize the time while they travel. Commuters will no longer wait for the schedule and arrival of a public jeepney and bus, LRT and MRT. They will not stand in the lengthy line of passengers, wait for long hours for public cars to finally arrive, and be seated uncomfortably in those public transports. Aside from that, they can carry commodities and other goods in their car.

Having your own car also gives the flexibility of visiting family, relatives and close friends without much hassle of a public transport. The comfort and safety of having a private car can be experienced especially when you’re with elderly and children. Economically speaking, a private car may even save monthly expenses that would otherwise be required if a person commutes frequently. This happens particularly when a driver owns a motorcycle which tends to get better gas mileage than most cars. Also, motorcycles often cost less money for maintenance and service.

On the basis thereof, owning a car has some disadvantages too. The expenses that should be prioritized in purchasing fuel might exceed the budget of a person who could easily avail public transportations for occasional trip. The popular issues on traffic, tax, insurance, yearly renewal, and car maintenance and repair on any mechanical issues are sometimes too much to handle for private car owners.

Taking into considerations the given advantages and disadvantages of owning a car, it is still more complimentary to possess a private car than to use a public transport. Others might disagree but majority of them would prefer to own a car if their financial condition would allow them to do so. I think this is also the reason why Filipinos would love to own even a single car or a vehicle because of the convenience and sense of contentment it brings them.

In conclusion, let us remember that “Owning a car gives comfort and therefore demands a full commitment and responsibility!”

— oOo—

The author is Teacher III at Cutcut Elementary School, Deped Angeles City