THE Office of the Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) clarified that the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Project (PUVMP) is not going to phase out jeepneys but will phase in a more convenient and safe transport system.

PUVMP is a transformative initiative for a restricted and environmentally sustainable transport sector conceptualized by the concerned agencies such as DILG, DOTr, LGUs, LTFRB, and other transport cooperatives.

While PUVMP aimed to modernize the vehicles that provide transport system in the communities, OTC focal person Ramil Henderson Urrera said in an interview with SunStar Davao yesterday, March 20, 2019, that some transport groups are still hesitant with the project.

“Kapag sinabing phase out, wala ng jeep pero ang term natin dyan ay phase in. Andyan parin ang jeep, imo-modernize lang natin. Kasi yung jeep natin, kailan pa ba yan? Since World War 2, inayos lang, dinagdagan, dinugtungan, pero walang standard (The right term is phase in. Jeepneys will just undergo modernization),” he said.

Urrera said that with the conceptualized PUVMP, there will be four PUJ classifications, each designed for specific commuters’ needs.

OTC planning officer Rommel Efren Laurena told SunStar Davao Wednesday, March 20, that in order to inform the transport sector that PUJMP is not just about upgrading units but also to reform and consolidate the industry and improve standard of living of drivers and operators, their office has been conducting Information Education Campaign region per region and even communities.

He said that the biggest challenge they are facing is convincing the transport sector that the change will provide commuters safety, convenience, accessibility, and road worthiness.

“Jeepneys are iconic but not convenient,” Urrera said, adding that there is a need in standardizing these transport vehicles as the demand from the commuting sector is growing.

The Mindanao Transportation Cooperatives Congress was held Wednesday at the SMX Convention Center, Lanang, attended by around 300 delegates from the transport sector.

The event aimed to gather all the issues and concerns from the transport sector and come up with measures to address the problem and to introduce the benefits of the PUVMP.