24 Agencis, 20 Transports Groups and Cooperatives Push for PUV Modernization

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The PUV Modernization Program, a long overdue reform in the road-based public transportation system, got government agencies, transport groups and cooperatives to work together for the first time.

At least 24 government agencies and 20 transport groups and cooperatives from all over the country showed their support for the program during the launch held at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday. Given program's scope and range, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) sought the assistance and support of relevant agencies and groups to move the program forward.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade especially thanked transport groups for working with the government instead of rallying in the streets. Groups such as Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (FEJODAP), 41. 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-UTAK), Alliance of Transport Operators d Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and Coalition of Operators, Drivers, Employees, Atbp. (CODE-X), and ACTO expressed their support during the launch.

“Kung kami lang po, hindi namin kaya. Kailangan sama-sama ‘yung mga mananakay, operators, at drivers na makiisa sa magandang layunin ng programa. At kung mabigyang katuparan ang programang ito, pangako sa inyo, tuluy-tuloy ang dayalogo at pag-uusap. Kung may mga punto at bagay-bagay na dapat pag-usapan at baguhin, pag-uusapan natin ‘yan at babaguhin,” Tugade told reporters after the launch.

He also allayed fears that the program will affect the livelihood of PUV drivers and operators.

“Ang administrasyong ito, pabor sa anumang kabuhayan. Pero dapat lang, ang kabuhayan ay hindi kikitil ng buhay,” said Tugade referring to the many accidents involving old and dilapidated public utility vehicles.

A financing program offering low equity, low interest rates, and longer payment terms will be made available to operators. Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) are working on affordable terms to ensure government support during the transition process.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez also said that local car manufacturers and body makers will be tapped to provide modern, safe, and environment-friendly vehicles.

Apart from the local agencies and academic institutions, the program also has the support of several international partners: Asian Development Bank, The World Bank, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, among others.

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