ILOILO City – Government agencies have assured their readiness to extend help, including livelihood assistance and training, to jeepney operators and drivers in Region 6 who have been displaced by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The PUVMP includes social support programs to mitigate the dislocation effects on jeepney operators and drivers, said Atty. Salvador Altura, the legal counsel and spokesperson for the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6.
The key programs available are the “enTSUPERneur” by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the “Tsuper Iskolar” program by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) allocates funds to DOLE and TESDA for the implementation of these projects and programs, said Altura.
During a joint press conference with TESDA, DOLE and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) regional offices at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Iloilo office, Altura emphasized the importance of these programs in addressing the dislocation effects of the modernization program.
Donnabelle Sollesta, representing Esther Babalo, the assistant regional director of TESDA-6, said they are currently implementing the “Tsuper Iskolar” program, which has benefited 900 operators, drivers, or their dependents in the region.
This program started in December 2023 and is expected to end between January and February 2024.
Beneficiaries receive free skills training, assessment, and a daily food allowance of P350.
TESDA also offers free entrepreneurship training in various fields.
John Mandario, the information officer at DOLE-6, highlighted the “enTSUPERneur” livelihood program for operators and drivers.
As of December 31, 2023, DOLE-6 has released P10,448,872 to 437 beneficiaries in the region for projects such as hog fattening, trading in vehicle parts and accessories, piggery projects, Kabuhayan Starter Kits, rice retailing, consumer store projects, and cattle and hog fattening.
For 2024, 335 beneficiaries are slated to avail themselves of livelihood projects with a budget of P10 million.
The selection of beneficiaries is a joint effort between LTFRB-6 and cooperatives, focusing on drivers and operators from unconsolidated units.
Altura also clarified that not all displaced operators and drivers are qualified for these projects and assistance, as 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) beneficiaries and barangay officials or government employees are automatically disqualified.
Starting February 1, all 2,756 unconsolidated units will no longer be allowed to operate as public utilities. These units have the option to convert to private use./PN
