QUEZON CITY, (PIA) –The Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program will not only ensure the safety of commuters but will also pay dividends for transport workers as it will guarantee their continued source of livelihood, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said Thursday.
During a dialogue with the transport groups, Secretary Bautista explained that the PUV Modernization will solve road transportation problems in the country as drivers and operators are encouraged to form a cooperative or corporation and establish a larger fleet of modern PUVs.
“Sasagot sa problema ng mga mananakay. Ang objective natin ay maibigay ang comfortable, affordable, safe and affordable travel experience, habang pinapangalagaan natin ang kapakanan ng mga transport workers at ibang empleyado na nagta-trabaho sa kooperatiba,” Secretary Bautista said.
He also allayed fears of a supposed jeepney phaseout, reassuring transport groups that the PUV modernization program is not meant to eliminate the iconic transport on the Philippine roads.
“Walang pong mangyayaring phase out ng ating mga jeepneys,” the transport chief said, addressing the transport groups composed of Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (Piston), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO).
Present during the dialogue were members of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Stop and Go, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP) and UV Express / Mighty 1.
According to the Secretary, while PUVs are transitioning to modernization, the DOTr has established safety nets together with the Department of Labor and Employment and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to ensure that transport workers, especially drivers and operators, continue with their source of livelihood.
The transport chief also expressed his gratitude to the transport groups for refusing to participate in the transport strike during President Bongbong Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA), adding that the DOTr, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Office for Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) are open to hold dialogues and discuss their concerns.
“Ipagpapatuloy natin ang pag-uusap at pagdadayalogo sa transport sector para maintindihan natin ‘yung lahat ng issues at iyan po ang gagawin natin,” he said.
Meanwhile, leaders of the “Magnificent 7” led by Pasang Masda President Ka-Obet Martin expressed their support to Secretary Bautista as they vowed to push through with the PUV modernization within their ranks. (dotr/pia-ncr)
