Photo credit: PCO

In a bid to assist drivers and operators adversely affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has introduced two innovative initiatives— "EnTSUPERneur" and "Tsuper Iskolar." The programs, collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Program (TESDA), respectively, aim to enhance the livelihoods of those in the public transport sector.

During a press briefing at Malacañang on Monday, Jesus Ferdinand Ortega, Chairman of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), highlighted the significance of these programs for drivers and operators grappling with challenges posed by the PUVMP.

Ortega stated, "So we’ve improved the program by instead of… I mean instead of, or puwede na ngayon i-avail and dalawang program ng gobyerno. They could avail the program set by DOLE and by Tesda. These are for those that are affected, either driver or operator, especially those that hindi nag-consolidate. So 'yun 'yung programs of the government for them."

The collaboration with DOLE resulted in the "EnTSUPERneur" program, an alternative livelihood initiative for transport workers displaced by the PUV Modernization Program and the ongoing challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. The DOTr allocated funding to support DOLE's Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), focusing on providing capital and capacity-building on livelihood and entrepreneurship for affected workers.

Additionally, the "Tsuper Iskolar" program, in partnership with TESDA, aims to extend scholarships and livelihood training opportunities to drivers, operators, and their families. This initiative seeks to empower individuals within the transport sector with the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt to the changing landscape and overcome the economic challenges brought about by the modernization program.