700 displaced NCR transport workers avail of DOLE livelihood aid

NEARLY 700 jeepney drivers and operators in the National Capital Region (NCR) displaced by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) have availed of the livelihood assistance package offered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In a statement, the DOLE-NCR reported that 698 displaced transport workers in Metro Manila have availed of the P30,000 worth of livelihood package being offered.

“As of January 2024, there were 698 affected workers from Metro Manila. A total of P20,940,000 were awarded as livelihood assistance,” said DOLE-NCR.

Livelihood programs availed by the displaced transport workers in Metro Manila include rice retail, car wash, carinderia (eatery), and nego-carts.

In a statement, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba urged other transport workers to avail of the DOLE assistance program.

“With these livelihood opportunities, you won’t need to rent or purchase a jeepney unit. You can transition to becoming a micro entrepreneur, or have a mini grocery,” said Satumba.

The PUVMP aims to have public utility vehicles, including traditional jeepneys aged 15 years or older, be phased out and replaced by electric-powered vehicles.

Transport groups claim that an estimated 140,000 jeepney drivers and 60,000 operators could be displaced by the PUVMP.