Renato Macalisang, chief of the LTO here, said that Stradcom, which was tapped by the LTO as the exclusive Information Technology (IT) provider in the entire country is now in the final phase of installing computer systems which will be inter-connected to all Land Transportation Offices.

Macalisang said that the Baler LTO is the only non-automated branch of the 32 land-transportation offices in Central Luzon.

Since 2004, Baler LTO has stopped issuing student permits and registration of newly acquired vehicles upon instruction by the LTO central office.

Renewal of licenses and vehicle registration which was previously issued by the agency here have been allowed.

Last May, a memorandum directing the abolition of the Baler LTO was issued by LTO Assistant Secretary Alberto Suansing.

However, Moises Amuete, Central Luzon LTO director, clarified that Baler LTO was created under the law, adding that abolition of the agency could be done only if a law for the purpose is passed by the Congress.

"I am very grateful that the Angaras, referring to Senator Edgardo Angara, Rep. Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara, and Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, for mediating in the retention of the agency’s office here, Macalisang said.

Governor Castillo, in a mobile phone interview, said that LTO should not be abolished and should instead be upgraded to serve the people of Aurora, noting that the provincial government is working on the establishment of more national government agencies in the province.

"Meron na po tayong satellite office ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Government Services Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and PNP crime laboratory aside from the other existing national offices," Castillo said, adding that, "I’m glad that Baler LTO is now going high-tech".

Congressman Angara lauded the LTO central office for retaining the agency’s office here, saying that abolishing the LTO in Aurora would be disadvantageous to license holders and owners of vehicles whenever they want to have their licenses and vehicle registrations renewed.

‘Our primary goal is to bring the government closer to the people, render services and provide them easy access to the bureaucracy," the young solon said.

‘With the full automation of Baler LTO, the agency can accommodate again the renewal of vehicles registration, drivers’ licenses and new student permits who will be securing licenses without traveling to Palayan City, the nearest fully-automated agency which is more than three hours by land travel from Baler," Macalisang said.