DOTr releases over 36K motorcycle license plates in Caraga
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) —The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga, through its Land Transportation Office (LTO) district offices, has released more than 36,000 motorcycle license plates since July 2025 under the program on Oplan Release Plaka.
This is the statement of Engineer Sehawi M. Macadato, district head of Land Transportation Office (LTO) Butuan, during his interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.
He also attributed the success to the various efforts and initiatives implemented by DOTr Caraga to make the program convenient, efficient and inclusive to the vehicle owners in the region.
“Aside from the regular distribution at the 10 district offices, we have been visiting local government units (LGUs) and shopping malls to conduct satellite distributions,” he said.
DOTr Caraga has 10 LTO district offices across the region—specifically ing Butuan, Bayugan, Patin-ay, Trento, Surigao, Siargao, San Jose Dinagat, Bislig, Tandag, and Cabadbaran as the primary touchpoints for the release of license plates and for walk-in services, among others.
“We invite all motorcycle owners who do not have their license plates to visit the nearest Land Transportation Office (LTO) in their area. Here in Butuan City, we are distributing motorcycle license plates at the cinema hallway of SM City Butuan until September 19,” he added. “This special or satellite distribution under the Oplan Release Plaka brings our services closer to the people.”
Engineer Macadato also shared, “LTO will continue to conduct satellite distributions aside from the distribution at the office proper to various locations in the region until October 31, 2025.”
Ceasar Pacot, a motorcycle owner, shared his experience of getting his license plate, saying, “It took me 5 minutes or less to claim my motorcycle plate. The process is very fast. Thank you LTO Butuan.”
Mosakari A. Tanggor, OIC of the Finance and Management Division of LTO Butuan, said that all clients will be served without discrimination. However, he explained that in some cases, license plates cannot be claimed at the LTO because they have already been distributed to the respective motorcycle dealers. “We encourage owners to check their Certificate of Registration (CR) to verify if a plate number has been assigned. If your motorcycle was purchased recently and the assigned plate number is already reflected in your CR, you may coordinate directly with your dealer, as your plate is already released to them.”
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified that motorcycle owners are eligible to receive their license plates if they meet any of the following conditions:
-The
motorcycle was initially registered in Caraga Region;
-The
motorcycle currently uses a temporary plate number (e.g., 150101);
-The
motorcycle has a 7-digit plate number (e.g., MS12345); and
-The
motorcycle has an old green 6-digit plate number (e.g., 1101LU).
In addition to that, DOTr Caraga emphasized the distribution is free of charge and called on all the clients to directly transact to their office and avoid fixers who collect fees. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
