Swiss firm signs deal to help keep Manila air clean

As an initial step in the pilot phase of the Clean Bus Program for Clean Air Manila, Swiss Contact Philippines and two selected bus companies — Victory Liner, Inc. and California Bus Lines — signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last Sept. 12 affirming their commitment to make their respective buses more environment friendly.

The program, an initiative of Swiss Contact Philippines, is a take-off from a similar program implemented in Jakarta, Indonesia. The success of the Jakarta program inspired the Philippine embassy there to request a similar program for the Metro Manila area.

Clean Air Manila includes a training program for mechanics and drivers. It will initially focus on buses and will eventually include other transport vehicles.

At least eight other bus companies have signified their willingness to participate but Swiss Contact said it can only accommodate two companies for the pilot phase which will run until March next year.

Present during the contract signing were representatives from Swiss Contact Philipines, namely Ian McArthur, regional manager-regional clean air program; Marian S. Boquiren, program manager; and Archie H. Diaz, program officer. California Bus Lines was represented by Ricardo S. Cutiongco, vice president, and Margarito Eguia, manager, while Victory Liner was represented by Yvonne Gantioqui, operations manager and Christina Villa-Dizon, administrative officer-operations.

Also present were Mon Santiago of the MMDA, Joji Manalaysay of Partnership for Clean Air and Bert Suansing of the Transport Organizations for Clean Air.