ROQUE I. Verzosa III formally assumed the position of regional director of the Land Transportation Office-National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) following a simple ceremony on Friday, May 26, 2023.

LTO-NCR officials, district chiefs, licensing, and other offices were in attendance to witness the event.

Special Order No. 2023-171, dated May 22, 2023, signed by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, formalizes Verzosa’s assumption of the position of regional director for the “One LTO-NCR.”

The LTO-NCR was previously divided into two sub-regions created under Department Order 2018-021 (Delineation of Functions in the Land Transportation Office in the National Capital Region), signed on September 13, 2018.

With the appointment of Verzosa, the LTO-NCR East and the LTO-NCR West are now merged again into one regional office, which is composed of at least 65 field district offices, extension offices, public and private motor vehicle inspection offices, and licensing centers, including those located at malls.

In his opening remarks, Arch. Pio Paolo E. Erta, the LTO-NCR Administrative division chief, acknowledged and honored the accomplishments of the LTO-NCR East. He also warmly welcomed and encouraged all officers and employees to give their best as LTO-NCR becomes “one again.”

For his part, Verzosa said that coming together in one room to watch the leadership in the LTO-NCR be passed from one person to another is “a significant event that marks a new chapter for the government agency.”

“We have high hopes that the leadership will pass on to a qualified successor and that we will have a regional office that is even more powerful and efficient in the future. Because the turnover signifies not only the conclusion of something but also, and arguably more importantly, the start of something new and refreshing,” Verzosa said.

“LTO have faced challenges head-on, achieved remarkable milestones, and grown both individually and collectively. Permit me to reassure you that we will continue to take steps to address the deficiencies, particularly with regard to enhancing the working conditions within the office,” he stressed.

Verzosa said he is fully aware of the fact that any resource that is invested in the LTO to resolve its internal issues is a resource that is well spent since it will, in the end, result in more efficient service for the people.

For the unification of LTO-NCR East and West, Verzosa said it is essential to evaluate and align the workforce with the changing needs and demands of the public.

He said that they will have the right people in the right positions by carefully assessing the roles and responsibilities required to achieve their strategic objectives.

“It is essential to remember that disagreements do not have to be synonymous with animosity. In fact, they can be catalysts for growth and positive change if we approach them with an open mind and a willingness to understand one another,” said Verzosa.

“It takes great strength to let go of past grievances and move forward with a clean slate. However, the act of forgiving does not only liberate the individual but also paves the way for reconciliation and renewed relationships,” he said.

In ending his speech, Verzosa said he is certain that the men and women of LTO-NCR will offer him the support and collaboration he will require to realize the government agency’s vision of being an organization that is “powerful, efficient, and brimming with fresh enthusiasm.”

“Let us foster an environment of understanding, respect, and unity. A place where voices are heard, conflicts are resolved with grace, and we continue to strive for excellence and take this organization to new heights to achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy,” Verzosa said.

“Thank you, everyone. May we continue to flourish and make a positive impact in the years to come for the people and this organization. Let us make NCR great again,” he said.

Also in attendance during the event are officials of LTO-NCR, which include Legal Adviser Atty. Dennis P. Barrion, Operations Division Chief Hanzley H. Lim, and Finance Division Chief Annabelle N. Quevedo.

Verzosa has stated that as the regional director of LTO-NCR, he is to order specifically for the regional office’s law enforcement teams to intensify the conduct of regular and special operations to implement Republic Act (RA) 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and other related transportation laws, rules, and regulations; for the internal audit teams to conduct on-the-spot cash counts and audits of more than 60 cashiers; and for the regional heads, field office chiefs, and public assistance desks in-charge to regularly monitor if the 3/7/20 days deadline rule is being abided by the region’s offices in handling transactions.