31/01/2024
๐๐๐๐๐๐ || ๐ฆ๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐
By: ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.๐๐๐
Traditional Jeepney is one of the icons on Philippine roads that has its own individual unique design with vibrant colors, open-air design, and distinct clatter. It has also served as the symbol of transportation since after the colonization period with its cultural identity to call it our own - "Hari ng Kalsada". However recently, many issues have arisen, continuously heated debates in Congress, and even jeepney drivers have formed a movement called Piston and conducted a rally fighting for their rights and livelihood, in correlation with the pursuit of a modernized country. The topic of these debates is regarding the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. To give you an overview of the content of this program, it was initiated in 2017, and implemented to mitigate carbon emissions, create safer roads, then give passengers a more convenient experience. This solves the three main issues with traditional jeepneys however, on the contrary, modern jeepneys will fully takeover making the old ones obsolete.
Don't get me wrong, I don't see any problem from my perspective as a commuter. I approve that it is more convenient, I don't need to scrunch my back anymore in entering the vehicle. Less overcrowding, and no more dramatic hair slaps from a stranger's untied long hair. I know we all experienced those struggles as a commuter riding an old traditional jeepney. Even drivers agree with it. The only problem with the program is the lack of accommodation for those who will be affected especially our public drivers who will be burdened with debt, even if the government swore that they will provide 200 thousand pesos worth subsidy. 200 thousand pesos? Really? Are they joking? Itโs not even close to covering half of the cost of modern jeepneys that are ranging over 2.2 to 2.4 million pesos. Another factor is how it is irrationally planned that despite 8 years after implementation the issues still will not be solved. They want to create change but are not working and focusing on it, just leaving it aside without a concrete and insufficient budgetary plan collecting dust and waiting for its deadline to let the so-called โbeneficiariesโ suffer. The government again and again is fighting that the beneficiaries of the program are us commuters and public drivers but why are we seeing the other side of the coin, the opposite of what theyโve promised the public, giving more opportunities and power to capitalists or private corporations, than to public drivers. These are just a few reasons why jeepney drivers do endless strikes. The only thing they want is for them to be heard. As always, the government does not fail to disappoint us, they always say our country is ready for a change. Like for example, the first phase of the transition period on the K-12 program, the administration at that time said weโre finally ready but then again, the opposite happened. Insufficient classrooms, shortage of teachers, and learning materials. Then now, weโre again suffering because of the miscalculations of the government.
Whatโs next? Phasing out tricycles and then replacing them with e-bikes? Is this really the only way to create a modernized world? If so, I don't want to live in that world where people are starving to death and making skyscrapers to hide poverty. Despite this, some people still have the guts to say "Why are you so affected by this? Weโre just commuters weโre not the ones who are affected." Yes, I forgot crab mentality is part of our practices, but practically speaking, yes as a commuter youโll be affected because if PUV is lessened in numbers it cannot accommodate hundreds to thousands of commuters every day. Transportation fares will increase and the possibility of you getting late at work is extremely high. But please, just for a moment, leave your beliefs behind, let's come together to fight alongside public drivers for their voices to be heard. Let's open the closed minds of our government and take action for their misconduct. To rethink their irrationality when it comes to the program, support a much cheaper option that can provide the same services as the model of Francisco Motor Corporation that only costs below 1 million pesos. Make public transportation corporation in the Philippines that would lessen the expenses for our drivers, provide a much higher subsidy, and extend the consolidation period. Letโs reclaim the title โHari ng Kalsadaโ for jeepneys that have and always been the icon of Philippine Transportation โtill modernization.
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