Virgilio Lorenzo Jr

Future of Luzon commuters: Thoughtful travel

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ABS-CBN News

<div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768563477455New Project.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Eighty years after it began as a single truck hauling vegetables out of post-war Manila, Victory Liner now transports about 83,000 passengers across Luzon on a regular day. <em>Photo source: Victory Liner </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1">For many Filipino commuters, daily travel is a familiar part of life. Long rides are often filled with quiet routines and shared moments with strangers heading in the same direction. Over time, commuting becomes a collective experience—shaped by patience, reliability, and the simple expectation of arriving safely and on time.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">That experience improves when transport systems are designed thoughtfully. Comfortable seating, organized terminals, predictable schedules, and well-maintained fleets help turn long journeys into manageable, even restful, parts of the day. For commuters, it means arriving not just on time, but ready for what comes next.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For Victory Liner, delivering that experience has required decades of disciplined investment—supported by a banking partner that understands the realities of large-scale transport operations.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Founded in 1945 as a single truck hauling vegetables out of post-war Manila, Victory Liner has grown into one of the country’s largest provincial bus operators. Today, the company transports about 83,000 passengers daily across Luzon, a figure that rises to as many as 90,000 during peak travel seasons. It remains a preferred choice for routes to Baguio, Dagupan, and Pampanga, serving generations of Filipino travelers.</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176856350253220260116110120_Victory Liner 01.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Michelle Ong sits down with Marivic Hernandez del Pilar, President and third-generation leader of Victory Liner, talked about the company&#x27;s beginnings, where it is today, and plans for a P4.6-B lifestyle center terminal in Caloocan. <em>Screenshot source: ANC Market Edge </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1">In an interview on <em>ANC&#x27;s Market Edge</em>, Victory Liner President Marivic del Pilar and Metrobank Head of Commercial Banking for Metro Manila Joey Mapa shared how the family-run transport company continues to modernize its fleet, expand its terminals, and manage growth—anchored on a long-standing banking relationship.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Del Pilar traced the company&#x27;s origins to her grandfather, Jose &quot;Joe&quot; Hernandez, who pieced together a truck using leftover engines and tools after World War II. What began as a small vegetable transport business soon evolved as passengers started asking for rides along the route, marking the early beginnings of Victory Liner.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">From those modest roots, the company now operates a fleet of about 1,000 buses year-round. Rather than expanding and shrinking with seasonal demand, Victory Liner maintains a stable fleet size to better manage costs, maintenance, and long-term planning. </p><p style="line-height:1">The company has also positioned itself in the premium segment of the provincial bus market. Over the years, regular buses were phased out in favor of deluxe and first-class units—reflecting a deliberate strategy to focus on comfort, safety, and consistent service.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Each bus costs roughly P10 million, and Victory Liner acquires 80 to 100 new units annually to keep its fleet modern. With this, Del Pilar, emphasized the importance of having a financial partner that understands their business and can support Victory Liner&#x27;s expansion.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Metrobank has played that role by providing financing not only for fleet acquisition, but also for terminal development, payroll, cash management, and digital banking solutions, allowing the company to focus on operations and customer experience.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Bus acquisition is number one,&quot; Del Pilar added. &quot;Every year, it feels so good when a bank asks you, &#x27;Is there anything we can help you with as far as expansion is concerned?&#x27; That gives you confidence as a business owner, knowing you have a reliable partner.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176856354261220260116110120_Victory Liner 03.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Metrobank is supporting one of Victory Liner&#x27;s largest infrastructure investments to date, an integrated terminal in Caloocan. <em>Screenshot source: ANC Market Edge </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1">For Metrobank, that partnership is built on long-term client understanding and speed of execution. According to Mapa, knowing the client&#x27;s business deeply allows the bank to deliver timely, tailored solutions.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;We have the benefit of knowing them for a very long time. Others still need to catch up. Our solutions are matched and tailored to what the company needs at a particular point in time,&quot; said Mapa as he noted how critical it is for Metrobank to readily support the company&#x27;s operations at any given time.</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768563562655Capture.JPG" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Metrobank&#x27;s long relationship with Victory Liner means it understands the business well, offering solutions that fit real needs and support quick decisions, from day-to-day operations to major fleet purchases. <em>Screenshot source: ANC Market Edge </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1">Beyond fleet upgrades, Metrobank is also supporting one of Victory Liner&#x27;s largest infrastructure investments to date, an integrated terminal in Caloocan. Scheduled to open in March 2028, the development will combine a transport hub, commercial spaces, and direct connections to the LRT and bus carousel, further improving commuter access and convenience.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Fleet expansion has always been constant,&quot; Mapa noted. &quot;But what is also exciting is how their terminals are evolving. They are starting to look like airport lounges, really enhancing the passenger experience. We have been able to support them at every stage,&quot; he said.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Technology has also become central to Victory Liner&#x27;s operations. Under third-generation leadership, the company computerized its maintenance, procurement, and finance systems, allowing real-time tracking of buses, branches, and driver activity. This enables better forecasting, scheduling, and decision-making—even when management is off-site.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">While Victory Liner remains focused on Luzon for passenger services, it continues to expand its cargo operations through partnerships—demonstrating disciplined growth rather than rapid geographic expansion.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">As the company approaches its 100th year, its direction remains clear: invest steadily, prioritize customer experience, and prepare the next generation of leaders—supported by a banking partner that has grown alongside the business.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768563583293Capture2.JPG" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Del Pilar emphasized the importance of having a financial partner that understands their business and can support Victory Liner&#x27;s expansion. <em>Screenshot source: ANC Market Edge </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;For Victory Liner, that is how I want to position the company. We are not just a regular bus company that transports people from one destination to another. We want to be known as a bus company where passengers can choose to travel in comfort and expect good service without having to ask,&quot; said Del Pilar.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The long-standing partnership between Metrobank and Victory Liner company reflects a shared commitment to steady growth, prudent investment, and long-term value. Through consistent financial support and a deep understanding of operational needs, the bank has enabled continued fleet upgrades, modern terminals, and service improvements that benefit passengers daily.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">More than a business relationship, the collaboration shows how strong financial partnerships can help move not just companies forward—but the people and communities they serve.</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

<p>For decades, a homegrown transport company has evolved by focusing on comfort, reliability, and the right partnerships, allowing it to invest steadily, modernize confidently, and grow with the needs of Filipino commuters across Luzon.</p>

For decades, a homegrown transport company has evolved by focusing on comfort, reliability, and the right partnerships, allowing it to invest steadily, modernize confidently, and grow with the needs of Filipino commuters across Luzon.

Thoughtful travel: Built through long-term partnership

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Thoughtful travel: Built through long-term partnership

Metrobank

Published Jan 19, 2026 02:23 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 19, 2026 02:53 PM PHT

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