The Land Transportation Office Region 11 (LTO 11) reported a 3% increase in overall performance across licensing, registration, and enforcement activities in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, an official said.
LTO Regional Law Enforcement Section Head Yuri H. Lim said the uptick reflects stronger enforcement efforts and improved operational efficiency throughout the region.
“From January to March 2026, we recorded a 3% increase in our key performance indicators covering licensing, registration, and apprehension,” Lim said during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing.
Despite the overall improvement, LTO 11 registered a 6% decline in the issuance of driver’s licenses and student permits. Lim attributed this to longer license validity periods and stricter application requirements.
He explained that the shift to five- and 10-year license validity has reduced the frequency of renewals, while the mandatory 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) for student permit applicants has also affected the number of new issuances.
“Because of the extended validity of licenses, renewals are less frequent, and stricter requirements for new applicants have contributed to the decline,” Lim said.
On the enforcement front, motor vehicle registrations posted a modest 0.20% increase, while apprehensions surged by 16% during the same period—indicating intensified field operations across Region 11.
Meanwhile, LTO 11 is set to expand its reach with four new extension offices in Bansalan, Laak, Lupon, and Baganga, which are expected to open between midyear and the third quarter of 2026.
Lim said the planned expansion aims to improve public access to services and ease congestion in existing offices.
“These extension offices will bring our services closer to the people and help decongest our main offices, especially in far-flung areas,” he said.
