All-Pinoy ride-hailing firm UTOL expands to Iloilo

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

In 2017, the concept of providing better and competent transport services and logistics for Filipinos was born.

Fast forward to 2024, the Unified Transport Operations League (UTOL) emerged.

Following its successful launch in May 2024, the all-Filipino Transport Network Company (TNC) UTOL has expanded to Iloilo City, launching operations on Saturday, July 27.

Roland Maningas, UTOL chairman of the board, said that Iloilo City, considered Western Visayas’ major business center, was the first area chosen for expansion after the grand launch in Metro Manila.

Just like a real “utol,” a colloquial term for one’s brother, sister, or buddy, the company aims to benefit not only consumers but also drivers and merchants.

“This is the phrase, ‘A Better Option with A Better Price,’” Maningas said.

Atty. Orly Ocampo, head of the UTOL Legal Department, noted that the expansion into provinces was in response to a Board Resolution by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which opened slots for transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) applications in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“The LTFRB Board resolved to open 1,600 TNVS slots in Region 6 (Western Visayas), which includes Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and Bacolod for this year,” he said, noting that UTOL will expand to regions where there are open slots to meet market demand.

Maningas shared that unlike Metro Manila, TNVS availability in the provinces remains untapped, presenting a significant market for TNCs to expand into. TNVS services in many tourist destinations are underutilized, with many driver-operators offering vehicles for hire at daily or hourly rates instead.

“We saw that in the provinces, there is demand for TNVS services, usually fueled by tourists. However, the riding public and public utility vehicle drivers and owners in these areas are not wholly familiar with the TNC concept. We want to be the first to penetrate these new markets. We want to educate both the riding public and the driver operators, showing them that there are other ways to get around in their areas and provide better transport services,” he said.

UTOL initially focused solely on Metro Manila to iron out its operations, but with the opening of slots in other provinces, the company saw an opportunity to grow its presence and leverage the advantages of being a first mover.

“The open slots give UTOL the opportunity as a TNC to accredit its fleet of TNVS drivers/operators. We hope that these first-time TNVS franchise holders will also support UTOL. We have said before that we want to partner with TNVS drivers/operators and help each other build a better future for both of us,” Ocampo said.

Plans and Projects

One of the projects UTOL has developed is an agreement with car dealers to provide one-stop-shop services for UTOL-registered drivers/operators.

“Normally, when someone goes to a dealership, customers only get the unit. However, we have partnered with Toyota Valenzuela and Toyota Pasong Tamo to provide more services to help our driver operators. If they are accredited by UTOL, they also get to avail of services such as financing, insurance, and legal services. Those interested in entering the TNVS services can join UTOL caravans because during these events, everything is laid out for them, from car ownership to financing to TNVS accreditation,” Ocampo said.

UTOL is also in discussions with other car dealers in provinces to provide these services to support prospective applicants.

The company has partnered with the SSS, with UTOL pledging to subsidize the SSS contributions of eligible drivers/operators.

“We will shoulder the SSS contributions of our driver operators. We only require that they are active on UTOL for six months straight. This incentive program is our way of showing our drivers that we value them and support them in many ways, not just by offering an online platform as a TNC,” Maningas said.

UTOL has just opened its first Iloilo office at 14A Blk 2 Lot 15, Bankers Village, Brgy. Quintin Salas, Jaro, Iloilo City, with contact numbers 09668610750 and 09085409409.