The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
As part of the preparations for the upcoming 2024 Japan Automobile Standards Internationalization Center (JASIC) Public and Private Forum in November, the Department of Transportation – Philippines (DOTr), in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Land Transportation Office – Philippines (LTO), successfully conducted a refresher training on the 1958 Agreement concerning the Adoption of Harmonized Technical United Nations Regulations for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts, on October 10-11, 2024 at the Bulwagan Edu, LTO Central Office Compound, East Ave, Quezon City.
The capacity-building initiative sought to strengthen participants’ foundational knowledge and skills for the implementation of the 1958 Agreement, a multilateral agreement made under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) with the objective of establishing uniform regulations for vehicles and their components relating to safety, environment, and energy requirements. These standards are deemed crucial in advancing road safety and promoting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring that policies in place adhere to global best practices while being tailored to local needs and conditions.
The discussion was led by Mr. Walter Nissler, Chief of the Vehicle Regulations and Transport Innovations at UNECE, who provided not only in-depth insights into the significance of the 1958 Agreement, but also technical knowledge on its processes and related frameworks.
Undersecretary Jesus Ferdinand Ortega, who concurrently serves as the National Focal Person of the Committee on Harmonization of Vehicle Standards and Regulations (CHVSR), emphasized in his opening speech the crucial role of the 1958 Agreement in advancing road safety and environmental sustainability, and the value of collective action toward the enhancement of vehicle policies in the Philippines.
Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr., Executive Director of the Land Transportation Office, also expressed his gratitude and support to Mr. Walter Nissler for the initiative on behalf of Asec. Vigor D. Mendoza II. In his closing remarks, he reiterated the significance of the program in advancing the efforts for road safety regulations in the country.
Members of the CHVSR composed of representatives from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Energy, Department of Science and Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government, members from the academe, and other members from the private sector were also present, ensuring diverse and active engagement.
Through continuous dialogue between local and international experts, the CHVSR continues to reinforce its commitment to implementing regulations that protect the public and the environment.