“As the regional office ventures into ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, it is high time that we assume best our respective roles and responsibilities in facilitating the project, leaving no room for excuses,” AMAD Chief Editha M. Salvosa said.

AMAD Market Specialist II Mr. Justine Marco M. Vivas explained that the Food Lane Project is made possible through the accreditation of agriculture and fishery supplies and truckers, in coordination with the agencies involved. In his discussion, a set of pre-qualification criteria and documentary requirements must be secured by the haulers and traders in order to process the accreditation.

MMDA Chief Inspectorate Miguel E. Panal discussed on traffic signs and the existing rules and regulations on road safety and defensive driving. According to the MMDA official, road accidents lead to 1%-2% socio-economic loss in the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Currently, there are 34 road accident fatalities recorded per day in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, P.Major Felipe B. Eleponga of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit – 4A supplemented Mr. Panal’s discussion with his shared knowledge on existing laws and road regulations such as the Republic Act (RA) 4136 or the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code,” and RA 10913 or the “Anti-Distracted Driving Act.”

Calling for safety and security of all motorists and road users, P.Major Eleponga explained the process of securing clearance permits for trucking businesses of CALABARZON accredited by the Food Lane Project. P.Major Eleponga himself offered to help secure the venue and schedule of the truck inspection, in coordination with DA.

The Food Lane Project aims to “institutionalize the efficient distribution of agri-fishery products from the production sites going to the major demand center of Metro Manila and other regions.”

For other concerns and accreditation inquiries, you may contact Mr. Justine Marco M. Vivas at 0927 139 1810 or send an e-mail to amad_rfu4a@yahoo.com. ● (SDAL, DA-RAFIS)