P135 million aid extended to displaced jeepney drivers – DOLE

MANILA, Philippines —  Close to 5,000 transport sector workers affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program have received assistance from the government, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

It said in a report that as of January 2024, the DOLE and the Department of Transportation have already extended P134.94 million worth of livelihood projects to a total of 4,498 transport workers.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said DOLE continues to assist displaced jeepney drivers and operators through its “enTSUPERneur” livelihood program, noting that each affected transport worker is provided a minimum of P30,000 worth of in-kind livelihood assistance under the nationwide alternative livelihood program.

He added that DOLE offers livelihood projects that include rice retailing, variety store and food stall establishment, animal raising, agricultural input provision and tailoring.

Laguesma said all concerned government agencies have joined forces to help the estimated 30,000 displaced jeepney drivers and operators who failed to consolidate for the modernization program.

He said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also provided jeepney workers with skills development training through its “Tsuper Iskolar” Program since 2019.