THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Davao said 8,216 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and filcab, also known as multicab, operators within Davao region will be affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Of the number, 7,261 PUJ/Filcab operators are from Davao City.

To address the problem, LTFRB-Davao Director Cattleya Acaylar encouraged affected drivers, operators and family members to apply for the Tsuper Iskolar Program.

The scholarship program, in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), will train qualified beneficiaries on the PUVMP. The training will cover skills and entrepreneurship.

Acaylar encouraged operators to apply as only 1,000 slots are available. It will be a first-come, first-served basis.

"We are already starting with the application process. Although not everyone is informed about it," she said.

Davao City will be the next stop of the program, since it was first launched last April 4 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Scholarship applicants must secure a pre-registration form from LTFRB-Davao.

The accomplished form must be submitted for evaluation to Tesda at the One-Stop Service Center for OFWs Online Services located at 5th floor of the Gaisano Mall of Davao.