Philtranco Transport Heritage Museum
(September 10, 2000)


ALATCO (A.L.Ammen Transportation Company), established on July 6, 1914 by Albert Louis Ammen, a former American serviceman, pioneered organized mass transportation in the Philippines. Recently, after ALATCO became Philtranco, ALATCO's old administration building became the home to Philtranco Transport Heritage Museum.

The museum traces the milestones of the oldest bus company from the single two-cylinder converted Grawbosky truck to the over 450 modern heavy duty buses that serve the transport needs of towns and cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The museum serves as a gift to the millions of Filipinos who have patronized and continues to patronize Philtranco today, as well as an expression of corporate social responsibility.

Tourism Secretary Gemma Cruz Araneta cut the ceremonial ribbon, assisted by Philtranco president Alejandro Yaque Jr., Iriga City Vice-Mayor Rosiller Orolfo and Regional Tourism Director Maria Ravanilla. Following the official opening, invited guests composed of retired Philtranco employees and their families, and members of the national trimedia were treated to cocktails and first glimpse of the museum.

Also recently, the National Historical Institute (NHI) designated the original Philtranco bus terminal in Iriga City as a national historical site.


(Source/Credit: The Philippine Star, Travel/Tourism, September 10, 2000 issue).

Foundation Anniversary and Recognition Day
(September 3, 2000)

Iriga City celebrated the 32nd anniversary of its foundation as the 3rd and youngest city in Bicol region. The occasion also provides for the annual "Sumagang Awards," the highest civilian award the city bestows on its outstanding citizens, and of course the traditional majorette drum and bugle corps competition.

(Press release and pictorials to be published when available).