DOLE gives P5-M livelihood aid to PUV drivers, operators

TAKING TO THE STREETS Jeepney drivers and operators protest against the government’s modernization program in this Jan. 16 photo taken at the University of the Philippines in
Diliman, Quezon City. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) said on Thursday that it distributed more than P5 million worth of assistance to those affected by the government’s modernization program for public utility vehicles (PUV).

The recipients, mostly public transport drivers, and operators received P30,000 worth of livelihood packages totaling P5.19 million from the Dole-National Capital Region office in a program held recently at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.

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The beneficiaries received one livelihood project of their choice to help them transition to alternative jobs. A total of 1,532 chose to sell rice, 15 picked the carwash business while others picked the eatery and kiosk-on-cart options.

The awarding of the livelihood aid was a convergence project of the labor department, along with the Department of Transportation (DoTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Office of Transportation Cooperatives, and the Quezon City Public Employment Service Office.

Government assurance

In her message, Bureau of Workers with Special Conditions director Charisma Lobrin-Satumba urged the affected PUV drivers and operators to consider becoming small entrepreneurs as she assured them government assistance.

“Whatever your purpose or objective in applying for livelihood [packages], we wish you would be able to expand it. Who knows, because of this business, you will no longer rent, and you will be able to buy your own jeepney or maybe become a micro-entrepreneur,” she said.

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As of January, the Dole said its joint “EnTSUPERneur” program with the DOTr has helped 4,498 transport workers who received P134.94 million worth of livelihood projects.

In the National Capital Region, 698 transport workers affected by the government’s PUV modernization program have been awarded livelihood assistance amounting to P20.94 million.