In a forum on the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization (PUVM) program of the Philippines held on October 10, 2024, most of the concerns re-echoed by the stakeholders is the need for more consultations, clearer regulations, and support for drivers, operators, and local manufacturers to ensure that no one is left behind.
Launched in 2017, the PUVM program aimed to provide the public with a safe, convenient, reliable, and environmentally friendly public transport system. However, the program also involves the phase-out of the traditional PUVs or jeepneys causing mixed reactions from commuters, drivers, operators, and local jeepney manufacturers.
In an effort to help address the concerns regarding the modernization, the Benguet State University (BSU) through the Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRD) conducted an opinion poll. To communicate the results of the poll, ISRD spearheaded an Informing Policy and Practice: PUV Modernization Program Policy Forum at the Everlasting Hall, Research and Extension Building.
The forum provided a venue for research dissemination, consultation and policy review on the studies conducted by BSU and other researchers in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) on the modernization program. It also gathered stakeholders including the drivers, local jeepney manufacturers, and some commuters who expressed their opinions and suggestions leading to collaborations for possible solutions in forwarding the interest of local driver-operators and commuters. Representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Local Government Unit of La Trinidad, and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) were also present.
VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres welcomed the participants followed by University President Felipe Salaing Comila with his inspirational message, and ISRD Director Ann Heather B. Kiwang who shared the rationale and flow of the activity.
The first speaker, retired Professor and UP Los Banos Scientist Teodoro C. Mendoza, through zoom, talked about his study on Addressing the “Blind Side” of the Government’s Jeepney Modernization Program. Mendoza highlighted key issues with the program like high cost of modern jeepneys that can lead to potential fare hikes, negative impact on the drivers including loss of jobs and lesser income due to costly investments. He also emphasized that while the program aims to reduce air pollution by replacing the older jeepneys with newer models, the high cost of modern jeepneys may limit the number of vehicles that can be replaced, potentially slowing the progress towards cleaner transportation in the country. Overall, Mendoza argues for a more comprehensive approach on how to address the challenges face by the public transportation sector and exploration on the use of water-based fuel and electric vehicles.
Pines City National High School Faculty Ron Alvin C. Akiapat, presented the results of his study on the electric and hybrid vehicles readiness and implications to the automotive industry in Baguio City. He found out that while drivers and technicians have a high knowledge about electric and hybrid vehicles, they have a low level of acceptance of these technologies. This is due to the lack of confidence on service technicians’ skills. The observed curriculum gaps of DepEd and TESDA also limits the training required for electronic and hybrid vehicles. Akiapat recommended extensive training, community engagements, curriculum updates, promoting public awareness, and further studies behind the low level of acceptance of electric and hybrid vehicles in Baguio City.
Another research done to find the implications of the PUVMP as experienced by driver-operators and commuters in La Trinidad, Benguet and Baguio City was presented by the Study Leader, Matyline A. Camfili-Talastas. The study showed that majority of the drivers and commuters are aware of the PUVM and have their own opinions on the advantage and disadvantages of the program.
Among the disadvantages cited by the respondents are: economic issues such as the high cost of modernized jeepney units and potential fare hike; geographical constraints due to different terrains; and cultural implications on the eradication of traditional jeepneys which is considered to be a cultural symbol of the Philippines. On the other hand, the positive implications expressed includes the ease of transportation especially for passengers with heavy loads; and lesser pollution. To address these issues, Camfili-Talastas suggested wider and more in-depth consultation with the drivers, operators, and commuters regarding the implementation of the PUVMP and the conduct of further research and program intensive review to consider the issues expressed by the local stakeholders.
The issues and concerns presented by the studies corroborated with Michelle H. Cho-Dally’s sharing in behalf of local jeepney manufacturers. Cho-Dally, who co-owns Charsam Motors, shared that the program’s unclear policies and guidelines is a challenge adding up to the limited customization and production of jeepneys resulting to lower wages or even loss of employment of local workers. She said that the modernization phase-out of traditional jeepneys, consolidation of franchise, and unsuitable design of modernized jeepneys for the specific terrains in CAR can negatively affect operators and drivers. Charsam then recommended further studies, clearer regulations, support for local producers, rehabilitation of traditional jeepneys instead of phase-out, improved access to supplies, skill enhancement and training for local technicians.
In the part of the government, DOTr engineers Mervin Ray Abenoja and Elmer N. Mendoza, Jr. gave updates on Franchise Consolidation in Baguio City and La Trinidad. Mendoza further discussed the goal of the PUVM Program and encouraged the participants to attend training on cooperative development and help in anti-colorum operations.
Maria Veronica A. Eslao representing NEDA mirrored the sentiments of the drivers, operators and other affected individuals stating that with development, no one should be left behind. She also gave insights on the proper consolidation and submission of proposals to the appropriate offices.
Representatives from the transport cooperatives, PUV drivers and operators, and commuters also shared their experiences and raised their concerns regarding the modernization program.
“Napintas, it would be very appropriate to know all the problem coming from the government side and coming from the affected sector of the society, so maamuan tayo amin where the problem lies,” said Councilor Henry Kipas of the Municipality of La Trinidad and Chair of the Committee on Public Utility Vehicles. After all the sharings, Kipas expressed his hopes that the forum will give clarifications, clearer recommendations, and solutions on the issues about the PUVM program.
During the afternoon session, the participants were grouped according to their sectors for the workshop, ways forward, and commitments.//PJG