ILOILO City – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas is set to distribute P8.4 million in livelihood assistance to nearly 300 jeepney operators and drivers adversely affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The funding allocation includes P1,377,424 for beneficiaries belonging to the Molo Transport Service Cooperative based in Barangay Compania Fundidor, Molo district and which has 46 members.
On the other hand, the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative based in Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro district and which has 235 members will receive P7,036,840.
Amy Judicpa, the officer-in-charge at DOLE-Iloilo, announced the financial support during preparations for the upcoming Labor Day Job Fair.
“We are releasing checks for the transport groups affected by the government’s modernization program, totaling around P8.4 million for the two groups,” said Judicpa.
The funds are earmarked for various livelihood projects proposed by the cooperatives, with each member eligible to avail themselves of a livelihood project worth approximately P30,000.
The assistance is part of broader efforts by government agencies, including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), to support those displaced by the PUVMP.
LTFRB Region 6, under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Atty. Salvador Altura, has endorsed these cooperatives to ensure they receive necessary support.
Altura highlighted that the PUVMP includes social support programs like the “enTSUPERneur” by DOLE and the “Tsuper Iskolar” program by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to mitigate the impact on the livelihoods of affected operators and drivers.
Donnabelle Sollesta, representing Director Esther Babalo of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 6, noted that the “Tsuper Iskolar” program has already benefited 900 operators, drivers, or their dependents; it provides free skills training, assessment, and a daily food allowance of P350.
John Mandario, the information officer at DOLE-6, highlighted the success of the “enTSUPERneur” program, which has disbursed P10,448,872 to 437 beneficiaries for various projects, including hog and cattle fattening, and retail businesses.
The selection process for beneficiaries is conducted jointly by LTFRB-6 and the cooperatives, focusing primarily on drivers and operators from unconsolidated units.
Beneficiaries of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) and barangay officials or government employees are disqualified from these programs./PN
