The government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program is still on the go in spite of the criticisms it receives, the recent manifestation of which was last Monday (30 September 2019)’s transport strike conducted by the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations and Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Mark de Leon stresses that said program is the solution in straightening the country’s transport system. He adds that the program will not only improve the vehicles, but also create and empower cooperatives in supporting the drivers and operators toward eliminating competition on passengers, hence, shunning road accidents. He explains that the cooperatives will provide the drivers and operators with loan assistance to purchase vehicles conforming with the program’s standards.
On a separate note, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and DOTr launch in Lipa City, Batangas today the Tsuper Iskolar program for the CALABARZON region. It provides the jeepney drivers, operators, and their families with free skills assessment and development, and entrepreneurial training.
