The synergy between the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Stradcom has resulted in innovations that bring services closer to the public.

Topping the list is the LTO Web Portal (www.go.lto.net.ph), which currently offers online services for motor vehicle and Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication System certifications.

Following it is e-Patrol, a highly-innovative mode of public service.

Through roving buses and container vans, LTO services are brought to far-flung areas. These district offices-on-wheels have been instrumental in helping those from remote places to easily apply, renew licenses, or register their vehicles without having to travel great distances.

Thirdly, through Text LTO, information is right at motorists’ fingertips. This facility was launched early last year in response to the need to make LTO-directed inquiries and transactions easier for the public. LTO’s SMS query service is accessible via all major cellular networks; motorists only need to text LTO<space> HELP and send to 2600 for a complete list of keywords and services.

Another innovation is the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which helps prevent carnapping. Launched in April 2008, RFID is a cutting-edge technology that promises to ensure vehicular and public safety and security. RFID will first be applied to enhance the agency’s motor vehicle registration system, ensuring compliance to emissions and roadworthiness testing.

In addition, the Mobile Query Tool aids in vehicle law enforcement by allowing the apprehending LTO officer to access the central database anytime, even while on field. With the use of mobile handheld devices, an LTO officer can verify from the database information on any vehicle or motorist that may have a pending alarm or violation.

The transport agency is now one of the top five biggest earners of the government and because of an improved brand of public service. It was moreover cited recently as one of the most compliant government agencies as it was awarded the third least corrupt government agency by the Integrity Development Action Plan (IDAP).

To recall, the Ramos administration in an effort to cleanse the tarnished image of the LTO and recover lost revenues due to fixing, decided to put into operation the LTO IT project which was envisioned to totally rinse the agency of unscrupulous activity.

Stradcom’s 10-year concession period for the LTO-IT project began on February 10, 2003 with the acceptance of the computerization system.

Under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) contract, Stradcom would own, operate, and maintain all IT facilities at no cost to the government, while the LTO continues to handle the processing of all transactions.

The BOO arrangement is more advantageous to the government because Stradcom, as the private contractor, is fully responsible for the development, operation, maintenance and upgrade of the entire system, thereby relieving the government of any risk or financial responsibility.

Further, LTO does not have to pay for software updates or license renewals, nor does it have to hire people to maintain systems or upgrade new equipment in the event of hardware obsolescence. Instead, Stradcom shoulders these responsibilities as part of its goal to provide optimal service to the public.

I.T. SOLUTIONS FOR REAL CHANGE

The current LTO-IT system is composed of six modules which deal with specific processes.

The Drivers’ Licensing System processes applications for and issues corresponding documents for students’ permits, professional and non-professional drivers’ licenses, and licenses for conductors of public utility vehicles.

The Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication System was created to provide service for the detection, apprehension, adjudication, and penalization of offending motor vehicle owners and road users.

Over the years, the module has increased and enhanced LTO’s efficiency in dealing with traffic violations.

Meanwhile, the Manufacturers, Assemblers, Importers, and Dealers’ Reporting (MAIDRS) System maintains records of manufactured, assembled, and imported motor vehicles. The module handles various transactions, specifically the MAIDRS accreditation, reporting, request for confirmation certificate and approvals.

Finally, the Motor Vehicle Registration System provides private, for-hire, government, and diplomatic motor vehicle-related transaction services.

A CULTURE OF CHANGE

Building on its technical and management capacity in handling the LTO-IT project, the company now ventures into various interconnectivity projects to facilitate faster and more accurate information exchange among government agencies.

Such promotes better delivery of public service underlying the principles of efficiency, transparency and accountability. Real-time access to information among various government agencies is vital to the promotion of efficiency, public safety andorder. And Stradcom plays a key role in using technological innovations to promote a culture of change among bureaucratic agencies.

It has spearheaded the development and implementation of new applications linking the LTO to other government agencies, which are expected to further increase public service efficiency and effectiveness.

One is the PETC-Information Technology Facility, developed in compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1999. It discourages the proliferation of fraudulent Certificates of Emission Compliance and ensures vehicles’ compliance to smoke emission standards.

Another is the Certificate of Cover Validation Facility, which addresses the deficiencies of the insurance industry by providing reliable security through valid CTPL policies.
In addition, the Certificate of Payment Authentication and Verification System streamlines transactions between the Bureau of Customs and the LTO by eliminating the need for human intervention in the submission process, as all transactions are performed online.