Manila: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is aiming to accelerate the nationwide distribution of license plates by hiring specialists and increasing the distribution rate to up to 25,000 plates each day. LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II announced that the agency has already hired 20 additional workers in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to speed up the distribution process, as stated in a news release on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 52 individuals are currently managing the plate distribution, with a current daily average of 8,000 to 10,000 plates being dispatched from the LTO's plate-making plant and courier hub. The newly hired workers were selected based on their computer literacy skills and experience in fast verification processes to enhance efficiency in the distribution system.

The LTO's work output analysis suggests that the additional manpower will lead to an increase of 13,000 to 15,000 plate releases per day. Mendoza emphasized the agency's commitment to resolving the distribution issue, stating, "Like what we promised the public, we will do everything we can to fix this problem. The plate backlog is gone, and we are exhausting all efforts to distribute all of them to the rightful owners in the soonest possible time."

Improvements in the plate distribution system include collaboration with tricycle operators, drivers' associations, and local government units. The LTO has also organized plate distribution caravans, with recent events held at Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay. Additionally, LTO regional directors and district office heads have initiated their plate distribution projects.

Mendoza expressed gratitude for the dedication of LTO staff, from the central office to district offices, and expressed confidence in accomplishing the distribution task. "I am thankful that everyone is working hard at the LTO, from the central office to the district offices. And through this, I am confident that we will accomplish this task once again," he said.