Government to Provide Skills, Livelihood Training to PUV Drivers, Operators

Drivers and operators, who will be affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), will be provided skills and livelihood training programs through a partnership between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).

In a statement on Wednesday, December 12, the DOTr said it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with TESDA for the Stakeholder Support Mechanism Component of the PUVMP.

Under the agreement, the DOTr will provide funds amounting to PHP350 million for TESDA to provide skills training and social assistance to stakeholders affected by the modernization program.

"Kaya po kami nandito ay itinutulak namin sa DOTr 'yung aspetong pang-edukasyon, sapagkat naniniwala kami na 'yung mga nagpapatakbo ng mga sasakyan sa kalsada, kung wala hong disiplina at maayos na driver's training, wala hong pupuntahan 'yung tinatawag na transportation and traffic situation that we are trying to address (We are here as DOTr supports education because we believe that anyone operating vehicles on the roads if they don't have discipline and proper driver's training the transportation and traffic situation that we are trying to address will all just go for naught)," DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said during the signing ceremony held Tuesday, December 11.

Tugade and TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña signed the MOA, which was witnessed by officials of both agencies.

The project will benefit PUV drivers and operators who may be affected by the PUVMP, those who opt to voluntarily exit from the industry, those who wish to continue as drivers/operators, and incoming drivers/operators to the PUVMP.

The beneficiaries will be offered training on proper unit maintenance, financial management, fleet management and dispatching, among others.

Affected drivers will also be given livelihood training programs and skills enhancement activities so they could have the appropriate skills to acquire new jobs while TESDA will provide assistance on job matching.

The department is implementing a three-year transition period since last year that will replace around 179,000 jeepney units nationwide through the PUVMP.

Modern PUVs will have Euro-4 compliant fuel engines and equipped with closed-circuit television cameras, a GPS navigation system, automated fare collection system, speed limiters, dashboard cameras and Wi-Fi.