MANILA, Philippines — Over 1,500 jeepney drivers have signed up for the government’s cash subsidy program in support of the transport sector amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), a total of 1,520 drivers applied on the first day of registration for the service contracting program on Wednesday.
LTFRB technical division head Joel Bolano said they rolled out the registration to reach more jeepney drivers.
“We are doing this to help more jeepney drivers, especially those who have no access to online registration. The service contracting program will be continuous,” Bolano said in a statement.
Under the program, an initial 60,000 drivers in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao will receive cash grants.
Around P5 billion has been allotted for the program, with the subsidy based on the length of kilometers traveled per vehicle.
Drivers may register by submitting documents such as driver’s license, certification from the operator, valid identification cards and registration papers of the jeepney.
Qualified drivers will undergo training by the LTFRB.