VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — Jeepney drivers in Ilocos Sur expressed their support to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in an interview on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

One of the traditional jeepney drivers operating in Vigan City to and from Sinait town, Alfonso, not his real name, said “We don’t oppose modernization; we support and also want it. We are just asking for the support of the cooperatives and our government because it is going to be difficult for us to send our children to college, and to fend for our daily needs if we have to pay a huge amount monthly.”

He added, “Mas prefer din po namin iyong lokal na gawa talaga dahil itong mga gamit namin ngayon ay ilang dekada na po pero matibay pa rin, gamit pa rin namin sa pasada. (We also prefer the locally made jeepneys because these units that we are using now have been with us for decades and they are still durable; we are still using them in transporting commuters.)”

According to Lawyer Mark Anthony Espenilla of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region I in a phone patch interview on Tuesday, the PUVMP is the government’s initiative, particularly the DOTr and the LTFRB, aiming to improve public transport.

Espenilla explained, “Our commuters deserve a comfortable, safe, affordable, and reliable transport system, and at the same time, we are helping the environment.”

He said that as of December 31, 2023, there is a 75.47 percent consolidation rate, or 4,596 consolidated units including Filcabs, jeepneys, modern jeepneys, and utility vehicles in the entire Region I, and 73.14 percent or 177 units in Ilocos Sur.

The modernization program, as stated by Espenilla, includes social support program components that the affected entities may avail—the assistance in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the scholarship program with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Espenilla also clarified that the choice of contractors or manufacturers for the units lies on the transport entities.

 “The government, especially the DOTr and LTFRB, does not have a hand, nor does it mandate what units the cooperatives will select as long as it follows the Philippine National Standards created by the Department of Trade and Industry,” said Espenilla.

He also mentioned that most of the current 54 accredited unit providers are local manufacturers.

Further, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Mildred Elaydo, the chairperson of the committee on transportation in the province, passed an approved resolution “strongly supporting House Bill No. 9061, introduced by Hon. Felimon M. Espares of Cooperative-National Confederation of Cooperatives partylist”.

Elaydo said, “This [bill] supports a more humane approach, aside from it will help provide GPS trackers and automated cashless transactions, the jeepney drivers will also undergo trainings, plus appropriating funds thereof, will be provide more assistance to the drivers so they can afford the downpayment and cope with the modernization.”

“The national and provincial government continues to reach out, we provide whatever support we can find, so hopefully we can modernize our jeepneys, and then of course it would be great if we can buy from local providers so that the drivers can afford it,” said Elaydo. (JCR/MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)