ONLY an estimated 2,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers have availed the 3,000 slots for the financial aid from the City Government of Davao.
Norman Baloro, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) supervising commissioner for Mindanao, said in a radio interview on Monday, March 23, there are slots from 54 routes that are still available.
These slots, according to City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) head Dionisio Abude, are open for PUJ drivers who wish to avail the financial assistance due to the strict implementation of the social distancing imposed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
According to the CTTMO list, Toril has the most number of slots with 350 drivers.
Baloro, also Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program in-charge, said based on the recent CTTMO data, slots for drivers operating in the routes of Toril, Calinan, Mandug, Callawa, Catalunan Grande, and Jade Valley have filled already.
The financial assistance was recently announced by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as part of its mitigating measures brought about by the social distancing in PUJs, which resulted to a huge income loss to affected drivers.
However, only 3,000 PUJ drivers will receive P11,880 financial aid through the Tupad program of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).
Different mass transportation workers such as taxi and tricycle drivers had also asked the government to include them in the Tupad program.
However, Baloro said, “As much as we want to accomodate all the transport sector, since kita tanan naapektuhan, pero naa gyud ta gina-prioritize.” (We are all affected but we have to prioritize some.)
The official said they will discuss with CTTMO if they will open the unfilled slots to other drivers.
As for those who already filed, he said they can start operating as a Tupad-grantee driver.
Under the program, Baloro said drivers will continue to drive, catering passengers who are working despite the imposed community quarantine.
He, however, underscored that drivers should ensure that passengers practice social distancing and disinfect their units.
“It is very important na ma-emphasize nato nga aside sa (we should emphasize that aside from) driving, trabaho sab sa PUJ drivers ang (it is also their job) to disinfect and sanitize...their own jeepneys,” Baloro said.
Meanwhile, for PUJ drivers who have not submitted their application, they are no longer instructed to visit the CTTMO office. Instead, they will submit their documents online.
Baloro said different jeepney association heads will instruct their members about the process of availing the financial aid.
He said this is to ensure that social distancing is properly observed.
Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio said drivers who will not avail the Tupad assistance can be included in the distribution of the ration cards.
The mayor also said even those included in the Tupad program are also qualified to get ration cards since they also experienced loss of income.