Livelihood trainings available for PUV drivers, operators

CEBU, Philippines — Public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers who failed to meet the April 30 deadline for consolidation may avail of other government livelihood programs such as Tsuper Iskolar and enTSUPERneur programs, Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

PUV drivers and operators may avail of these programs that provide free skills training, skills assessment, and entrepreneurship training as alternative sources of income.

 “Mayroon tayong program na tinatawag na Entsuperneur at Tsuper Iskolar na tuturuan sila ng TESDA and give them training for other livelihood opportunities,” Bautista said on the sidelines of Travel Talk 2024.

Under the “Tsuper Iskolar” initiative, beneficiaries are provided scholarship grants and skills training to improve their livelihood in line with the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

The “EnTSUPERneur” program, on the other hand, is in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which aims to provide alternative sources of income to PUV drivers and operators.

“Yung mga hindi na makapag-operate, we are happy to give them training for other sources of livelihood,” added Bautista.

Bautista also said that unconsolidated drivers and operators may also join existing transport cooperatives to continue their livelihood.

“Sa mga hindi pa nagco-consolidate… they can still join [cooperatives]. Hindi lang sila pwede mag-operate. But they can work, they can apply, join existing cooperatives or corporations,” Bautista ended.

The consolidation of PUVs for the Public Transport Modernization Program ended last April 30 but the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the DOTr allowed drivers and operators to continue to ply for another 15 days as grace period.

Authorities have already started flagging down unconsolidated jeepneys after the lapse of the grace period on March 16.

LTFRB also reminded re-consolidated jeepneys to display their franchise documents on their dashboards or windshields to avoid apprehension. Along with this, LTFRB reminded the apprehended PUVs that the penalty includes one year suspension for the driver, 30 days impoundment, and P50,000 fine for the operator.(CEBU NEWS)