BATANGAS CITY (PIA) — A transport group said over 90 percent of jeepney drivers and operators in Batangas have joined cooperatives in compliance with the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The program aims to replace jeepneys that are at least 15 years old with newer and more efficient units by consolidating operators and drivers into cooperatives or corporations.

Under the PUV modernization, individual operators are required to ‘consolidate’ or join cooperatives and corporations for easier processing of bank loans when they buy modern version of the jeepney.

The application for the consolidation of jeepney operators into cooperatives ended on December 31, 2023 but it was extended until January 31, 2024. Those who failed to apply for consolidation would no longer be allowed to operate starting February 1.

Speaking at the PIA Ngayon radio program on January 10, Batangas Confederation of Jeepeney Drivers and Operators Association (BCJDOA) president, Romeo Macailao said that more drivers and operators have enrolled in or created cooperatives to meet the December 31 deadline.

“Many of our jeepney drivers and operators in the province rushed to join the consolidation when the government set the deadline on December 31, 2023. This is because they want to continue their livelihood, and most have families to feed and children to educate," said Macailao.

The increased rate of consolidation was also attributed to the consistent efforts made by the transport group to educate jeepney drivers and operators about the benefits of the modernization program.

Macalinao said the importance of implementing modernization in the transportation sector resonated with the transport group members.

He said they continue to explain the benefits of being part of a cooperative or corporation under the PUVMP, emphasizing that each driver would receive a fixed salary with a specified number of days for earnings.

He cited the success of the Batangas Transit Cooperative as an example, operating in certain parts of the province where earnings are at minimum wage, with incentives and overtime pay.

At the same time, Macalinao encouraged the remaining 10 percent of unconsolidated jeepney drivers and operators to comply with the program’s requirements. He emphasized that fellow drivers should not fear modernization, as the main goal of the program is to improve the transportation system.

"We are open to those who are not yet willing to be part of the consolidation program as they can still apply when they are ready to embrace modernization," Macailao stressed.

Macailao acknowledged that the jeepney drivers and operators still resisting consolidation have their reasons, with some concerned about potential losses in the implementation of modernization, while others have been influenced by opposing groups.

He expressed hope that the government would continue to provide assistance to their sector through subsidies and other programs for the jeepney drivers and cooperatives. (Bhaby De Castro, PIA Batangas)