Makati hiring displaced jeepney drivers to assist in city’s mobile learning hubs

Makati Mayor Abby Binay. File photo / Makati City DRRM Office Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Jeepney drivers in Makati City, who lost their livelihood because of COVID-19 pandemic, will be hired to aid in transporting educational materials for alternative learning as classes resume on October 5, the city government said Wednesday.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay said they will tap Makati Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association for the rental of over 27 jeepney units for their Mobile Learning Hub Project, which will be deployed to parents and students who have no gadgets and learning materials.

“Jeepney drivers in the city who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic will be our partners in running the Makati Mobile Learning Hub Project. Their jeepneys will be outfitted to transport books and other learning materials, teachers and librarians, and laptops with an internet connection,” Binay said in a statement.

Rita Riddle, program director of the Makati Education Department said the local government will pay P2,000 as a daily rental for each jeepney unit.

Riddle also noted that they are seeking 100 jeepney drivers who will undergo rotation in transporting the school materials. 54 teachers, likewise, will also be hired to operate the learning hubs inside the jeepneys, Riddle said.

Riddle said the teachers will become tutors for students and their parents to augment in distance learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

To date, Makati City breached 100 percent of its target enrollment in public schools after over 83,000 students from preschool to senior high school enrolled in public schools.

JPV