#jeepney phase out

[artistslashperfectionist]

Pagpupunyagi

Momoy Sarabia

2024, cellphone picture

Hihintay ako kahit gaano katagal ang mga pasahero dito sa Sports Center dahil malamang na abala sila mag-praktis para sa mga laro nila. Ginagawa ko lang ang trabaho ko para may makasakay at makauwi ng ligtas, pero iniisip ko rin ang pamilya ko at ang boundary ng operator ko, kaya, hindi ako susuko para sa lahat ng mga nakakasalimuha ko sa kalsada.

[onenettvchannel]

OneNETnews EXCLUSIVE: Local Transport Group in Negros Oriental opts out of Nationwide Transport Strike ensures continued operation amidst challenges of PUJ Modernization Programme

DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL -- National transport groups, namely the Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers para sa Karapatan sa Paggawa (MANIBELA) and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) declares a nationwide transport strike on Sunday (November 19th, 2023), which is for the unconsolidated individuals. However, Central Visayas-wide including Cebu, Bacolod, Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, have chosen not to partake in this regional transport strike during the upcoming Holiday and New Year's Eve celebrations in the early first weekend of 2024.

(FILE PHOTO COURTESY for REPRESENTATION: Negros News Online)

Romeo Subaldo, a former News Chief of ABS-CBN Bacolod (now Kapamilya Channel: Bacolod) and current Regional Multimedia News Anchor of Favorite Music Radio & Digicast Negros, shared his insights on the matter during the final minutes of his local radio newscast of 'Arangkada Negrosanon Balita' at 6:30am on Monday morning (Bacolod local time). Subaldo emphasized that the jeepney franchises in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental will not participate in the regional strike: "I think sa mga probinsya po na sang Transport Strike sa Metro at Mega Manlia, wala ma gupod ang mga provinces naton… Sa mga taga-Metro at Mega Manila nila ng Transport Strike, kana ka nausang Department of Education (DepEd) kahapon ng Linggo (Nobyembre 19th, 2023) na way klase sa Maynila na may Transport Strike. Pero diri sa aton, padayon na pag-biyahe sa mga di pa-pasaherong mga salakyan", Subaldo said in the exclusive radio interview to OneNETnews via Facebook LIVE video.

In an exclusive phone patch interview, where it was independently verified to OneNETnews as one local transport group in-charge of Bindoy-Mabinay-Bais Transport Cooperative (BIMBATCO) named Rey Alpeche, a representative in-charge of the Bindoy-Mabinay-Bais Transport Cooperative (BIMBATCO) in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, confirmed that they are not part of the nationwide transport strike. Alpeche highlighted the importance of paperwork consolidation and their close monitoring of the cooperatively-owned jeepney units: "So far in Negros Oriental, maliliit lang yung persiyento ang unconsolidated. Sa aming kooperatiba, lahat kami consolidated [ng BIMBATCO] na single indibidual mga sa tingin ko siguro, mga 20 to 30 ganun. Lahat naman na cooperatiba dito is nag ko-consolidate, hindi kami sasali sa transport strike. Ano naman silbi kasi consildated na po kami. I'm meaning to say that, hindi po talaga phase out dere-diretso. Yung ang unconsolidated ng kina-kansela na prankisa nila o franchise", Alpeche said in an online media interview on Friday afternoon (December 29th, 2023).

(CONTRIBUTED FILE PHOTO COURTESY for REPRESENTATION: The Philippine Star)

He emphasized that their cooperative of BIMBATCO is already consolidated and therefore unaffected by the phase-out of older jeepney units in Negros Oriental. While concerns regarding commuting without modernized jeepneys in the future, and the availability of unemployment benefits were raised from the SSS or GSIS (Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System), Alpeche clarified that these issues do not directly impact BIMBATCO and other localized transport groups: "Yung amining nila ng gobyerno is to consolidate. Consolidation is yung mga papeles ng iko-consolidate kasi hindi na po biro na yung gobyerno na for example… Hindi kaya ng LTFRB o Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board na mag-monitor ng indibidual na prangkisa o operators. Kailangan mo i-monitor yung sa kooperatiba kasi, yung sa sinabing cooperative ay mo-monitor ng mga [Jeepney] units", he added.

(FILE PHOTO COURTESY: Google Images)

Loans in Negros Oriental, with the example of government-owned banking 'Landbank' cannot cover all the jeepney vehicle modernization expenses and was yet to be revisted in the Q1 of 2024 or later. Nonetheless, BIMBATCO needs to reassess areas for modernization based on its passenger volumes: "Kailangang po talaga e-revisit mo na yung [sinabing probinsya] ng Negros Oriental kasi, sa amin ngayon may modernized jeepney galing isa, taas namin kinuha yun. Ang problema, hindi talaga kaya ang umo-utang ta sa banko. Pag umo-utang pa ron, siguradong hindi na ka mababayad. Sa Negros Oriental ang problema kasi, wala po tayo mga masyadong volume ng pasahero o passengers. So, kailangan po naming na e-revisit muna yung every area na kailangan na modernisasyon".

Alpeche suggested that if drivers were to become unemployed and experience a decrease in income for commuting purposes, they would need to be re-hired, despite of the upcoming nationwide transport strike including Negros Oriental. He expressed the drivers' resistance to the boundary system and emphasized that drivers earn more than the operators themselves: "Meron nang dahan-dahan na tayong phase-out, yung mga driver din yun is ire-hire din. Saan pong kami kukuha ang driver sa kanila rin? Kasi ayaw ng mga drivers na itong nangyari. Ayaw kasi ng mga drivers is boundaring system yun ng mga drivers. Mas malaki pa yung kita kaysa sa operator".

The consolidation process for BIMBATCO began in 2018 or 2019 and was soon to expire by 2024, as early as 6 years before the December 31st, 2024 deadline on Sunday. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. stated that there would be no extensions for the nationwide and regional jeepney phase-out for the unconsolidated individuals, urging sincerity from the government. He also pointed out the lack of communication with the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Negros Oriental: "Dapat unahin natin yung LTFRB, we do talk with the cooperatives na kabisado yung ruta. Kasi, kami ang nakakaalam so ruta kung pwede bang dagdagan, pwede bang tanggalan ng [Jeepney] units at i-modernize. Kasi, kami yung apektado at kami yung may alam pero, pag wala namang threat nandito sa Negros Oriental sa ngayon, hindi nai-tolerate yan. We don't talk to the government. At saka, pag wala pang consolidation po sa kanila ng ilang taon na palaging ine-extend, paano naman kami which is so unfair for us na hindi na ko-consolidate as early as 2018 o 2019, na palagi sinabing ine-extend. Pag ayaw talaga ang consolidasyon, ayaw na din talaga ng extensyon". Alpeche expressed frustration with the extension of consolidation deadlines and the unfair treatment of cooperatives that have already consolidated to them. Alpeche expressed frustration with the extension of consolidation deadlines and the unfair treatment of cooperatives that had already consolidated.

(FILE PHOTO COURTESY: Bayan Negros)

Fortunately in conclusion… Western and Central Visayas, including Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, are not participating in the regional transport strike. BIMBATCO has ensured the necessary paperwork and franchises to secure the continued operation of their regional vehicle franchises without any revocations or phasing out in the new year by January 1st, 2024.

The transportation crisis in Metro and Mega Manila is a significant concern for MANIBELA and PISTON. Drivers are pushing for the modernization of new jeepney vehicles under the Public Utility Jeepney & Public Utility Vehicle - Modernization Programme (PUJ/PUV-MP) as a last resort to preserve the driving culture associated with older jeepneys. However, individual Filipino drivers cannot afford this potential upgrade.

OneNETnews has learned that Negros Oriental will no longer participate in the local transport strike for now, as confirmed by Alpeche of BIMBATCO. They have sought legal assistance to ensure proper registration and consolidation by the Land Transportion Office (LTO) and LTFRB, allowing them to operate safely and normally in Central Visayas.

A big SPECIAL THANKS to Neil Ceriño Rio of DYGB-FM 91.7 MHz's Power91FM and Fil News Balita: Cable TV 6 in Dumaguete City for their assistance in contacting BIMBATCO and facilitating our phone patch interview and local news report. Also, you can listen a full phone patched interview provided below the source links. Thank you!

PHOTO COURTESY: Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong (Freelanced Photojournalist and Media News Presenter of OneNETnews) CONTRIBUTED LOGO via FB PHOTO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://archive.org/details/onenetnews-interviews-with-bimbatcos-rey-alpeche [Exclusive Audio Interview from OneNETnews with Rey Alpeche - Dec292023] *https://www.topgear.com.ph/features/feature-articles/puv-modernization-program-jeepney-phaseout-guide-a4354-20230310-lfrm [Referenced Editorial News Article via Top Gear Philippines] *https://www.rappler.com/voices/ispeak/analysis-rethink-public-utility-vehicles-transportation-modernization-focus-commuters/ [Referenced Editorial News Article via Rappler] *https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1213731 [Referenced News Article via Philippine News Agency] *https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/20/iloilo-city-unaffected-by-transport-strike [Referenced News Article via Manila Bulletin] *https://watchmendailyjournal.com/2023/12/09/transport-strike-mulled-bacolod-transport-group-protest-vs-franchise-consolidation/ [Referenced News Article #1 via Watchmen Daily Journal] *https://watchmendailyjournal.com/2023/12/13/impending-phase-2-transport-groups-bacolod-refuse-join-transport-strike/ [Referenced News Article #2f via Watchmen Daily Journal] *https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cebu-transport-groups-will-not-join-3-day-strike [Referenced Mini News Article from SunStar: Cebu] *https://www.facebook.com/100063703909926/posts/668507635282694 [Referenced FB News Article via The NORSUnian] and *https://www.facebook.com/107637454505360/posts/107640491171723 [Contributed BIMBATCO Logo via FB PHOTO]

-- OneNETnews Team

[mariellaolden]

NO TO JEEPNEY PHASEOUT !!!!!!

SAY HELLO TO A WORSENED TRANSPORT CRISIS BY 2024

By: Mariella Angela H. Olden (December 28, 2023 | 9:25 PM)

Following a meeting with transportation officials, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on December 12 that no further extensions for consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUV) shall be granted.

One of the cultural markers of Philippine identity is the jeepney. Jeepneys have been the primary mode of transportation for Filipinos due to its affordability and accessibility, particularly for students and workers. Furthermore, it has traditionally been the primary occupation of drivers and operators.

In June 2017, the government established the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), intending to replace and eventually phase out traditional jeepneys to improve public transportation. However, with the impending phaseout of jeepneys by December 31, 2023, drivers and operators will be forced to purchase costly modern vehicles supported by the government.

Data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) indicates that five days before the consolidation deadline, 31,058 traditional jeepneys, or 73.5% of them in Metro Manila, have yet to be consolidated. These unconsolidated units are highly not a minority.

Why should drivers, operators, commuters, and workers fight back? Among the many effects of the PUVMP is the increase in the minimum fare that will continue to make Filipinos suffer. The PUV Modernization program is a business. Corporations and large businesses will take over and have the advantage of raising fares to pay for expensive "modern jeeps." In contrast, this is a big disadvantage to the families of the drivers and operators, who will sink into debt due to the burden of the monthly payment of the modernized vehicle.

In addition, the Department of Energy and LTFRB has reported that the number of registered vehicles in the Philippines exceeds 9 million. Just over 250,000, equivalent to 2% of jeepneys, make up the total.

More detrimental effects of this program include the modern jeepney being way more expensive than the traditional jeepney. The price of a typical jeepney ranges from P150,000 to P250,000. The cost of operating a modern e-jeepney will rise by 1,766.7% to P2.8 million for drivers and operators. Although P160,000 will be given as a subsidy according to LTFRB, which amounts to a mere 5.7% of the jeepney's entire cost, jeepney drivers will be forced to make at least more earnings each day to be able to settle their loan if they were to switch to the modern jeepney.

By the year 2024, the mass transport crisis in the country will worsen. The government cannot fill such a large and significant gap in public transport in the country. With the influx of imported cars, many local manufacturers and industries will be affected.

The PUVMP program is forcefully erasing one of the main parts of our identity as Filipinos and only in favor of a few rich and foreign interests, making the Filipino masses suffer, further impoverished, and left behind.

Drivers, operators, commuters, and workers—

Unite and fight for #NoToJeepneyPhaseout #NoToPUVPhaseout #NoToPUVModernizationProgram!

[upismediacenter]

OPINION: STOP THE E-JEEP! #NoToJeepneyPhaseout

Commuter or not, every Filipino is familiar with jeepneys. Once dubbed “King of the Roads”, jeepneys are a symbol of Philippine culture and resourcefulness, as they were made from converted jeeps left by American troops after World War II. As the most popular public transport vehicle in our country for decades, these jeepneys are now at risk of disappearing, causing public uproar.

The controversy surrounding the phasing out of jeepneys first sparked in 2017 when the government launched the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). The program’s goal is to replace the old model jeepneys with modern electronic jeepneys (e-jeeps) that are claimed to guarantee cleaner emissions and improved safety. This has been met with several worries that could adversely affect the Filipino populace.

Public unrest over the jeepney phaseout has been going on for years. The consolidation deadline for Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) which included jeepneys, UV Expresses, and Filcab units was extended three times. The first was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple protests from transport groups, which affected the government’s original plan to consolidate PUVs in March 2020. As a result, it was rescheduled at the end of last year, December 31, 2023. The second extension was on January 31, 2024, to allow unconsolidated PUVs to ply their routes with the stipulation of being barred from joining cooperatives and corporations. The third and “final” deadline was on April 30, 2024—three months after the last deadline—to allow driver-operators one last time to consolidate, or else they would not be allowed to ply their routes. Amid these several deadlines, protests and strikes are unwavering as dissents push for the PUVMP to be suspended, arguing that imposing deadline extensions does not address the structural problems of the modernization program.

One day before the “final” deadline, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) declared that unconsolidated jeepneys have a 15-day leeway to continue their usual routes before they are impounded. Again, this is another smokescreen from the systemic issues brought by the modernization program. The PUVMP must be suspended, as it ostensibly presents more problems than solutions. If the PUVMP truly is for the people, why is there a persistent and contentious pushback by the public?

Enforcing deadlines and giving grace periods for jeepney drivers only delays—the government must suspend the PUVMP and reevaluate its effectiveness. Displacing and disenfranchising jeepney drivers from their livelihoods defeats the purpose of an inclusive and sustainable program as the PUVMP endorses itself to be.

Who are those affected?

Jeepney drivers are most affected by the modernization program. If they choose not to consolidate with cooperatives and corporations or cannot afford an e-jeep alone, their vehicles will be impounded, taking away their only source of income. Additionally, commuters, UP Diliman constituents, and other sectors also have to bear the cost of the PUVMP due to the policies and funds allocated to this program.

The transport group for jeepney drivers, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide, more commonly known as PISTON, is the leading opposition group against the PUVMP. First established in 1981, PISTON serves as an organization that aims to promote the welfare and democratic rights of jeepney drivers. In 2013, they launched a campaign against the oil price hike, directed at the country’s main petroleum companies, namely Petron, Shell, and Chevron. Since the government has revealed plans to phase out jeepneys over 15 years old, they have been organizing protests against the PUVMP, criticizing its anti-poor policies and prioritizing for-profit corporate consolidation.

The PUVMP pressures jeepney drivers to switch to e-jeeps or new combustion engine vehicles that meet Euro IV emission standards which only permit carbon monoxide (CO) emissions of 1.0g/km for gasoline and 0.5g/km for diesel vehicles. Units and parts that make up the e-jeep are imported from other countries, which is why they are priced as high as PHP 3 million. While the modernization program offers subsidies of PHP 160 thousand through loan programs by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to help offset the costs, this amount is only 5.7% of the total cost of a modern jeepney. Jeepney drivers state that they will need to make around PHP 3.5 thousand each day to pay off the debt from switching to an e-jeep, but at the moment, they only make around PHP 2 thousand a day.

The large amount of money that needs to be spent transitioning to modern e-jeeps is the main concern of dissent to this program. Replacing a huge fleet of jeepneys requires massive resources, taking away from vital sectors such as education and healthcare. Additionally, the PUVMP disproportionately affects low-income citizens—specifically, jeepney drivers who mostly come from low-income families and struggle to meet the high e-jeep cost. The debt burden forces them to work longer hours just to break even, negatively impacting their livelihood. Jeepney drivers worry that the transition to e-jeeps or new combustion engine vehicles will exacerbate their financial burdens and force them to work longer hours just to break even.

Furthermore, units from local manufacturing companies such as eFrancisco Motor Corporation and Sarao Jeepneys are still priced at around PHP 2.5 million, further putting jeepney drivers at odds with the financial burden of the PUVMP. With large corporations dominating the market and the PUVMP’s policy to consolidate driver-operators to cooperative-led fleets, this raises concerns of corporate takeover and the economic marginalization of jeepney drivers. Since large companies are the ones who have the capacity to fully adhere to the program, jeepney drivers are left disenfranchised because of their financial disadvantage.

Commuters are also affected heavily by this program. Modern jeeps usually charge higher fares because, aside from the initial cost of modernization, their maintenance and repair costs are higher than the traditional jeepneys’. This adds more financial problems to Filipinos already facing higher living expenses as a result of inflation rates. Moreover, unfamiliar technology could present a significant challenge for traditional drivers transitioning to modern jeepneys, leading to potential operational difficulties and increased maintenance expenses.

Constituents of UP Diliman (UPD) share similar concerns. The UP Transport Group (UPTG), which consists of jeepney drivers from all routes around the campus such as Ikot, Toki, UP-Pantranco, UP-Philcoa, and UP-Katipunan, organized a silent strike on December 13, 2023, in protest of the earlier December 31 deadline. Based on interviews with the UPD Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roehl Jamon, UP jeepney drivers may have to comply with the modernization. According to Jamon, the only two options they have are for the university to pay for the units themselves, which cost about PHP 1.4 to 3 million each, or for the university to partner with transport cooperatives that already own modernized units and invite them to service the campus, which is the less expensive option between the two. Although the latter is cheaper, this still gives way for corporations to take advantage of the modernization program.

Jeepneys are extensively used by UP college students and students of UP Integrated School (UPIS) for commuting to and from the university campus because they charge less than other PUVs. However, these fares could be completely changed by the PUVMP’s effect on jeepney availability and rates, possibly altering their daily commutes by making them spend more on transport alternatives or by forcing them to look for different routes. This might put additional financial burden as well as longer hours of travel in their everyday life, affecting not only their academic performance but also their general welfare.

Moreover, the PUVMP is taking attention and funding from other sectors that have more pressing needs. In particular, the Department of Education (DepEd) is significantly impacted by lack of funding. Classroom and teacher shortages have been notable areas of concern with an estimated 165,444 classrooms and nearly 90,000 teachers needed. According to DepEd, PHP 105 billion would be needed each year up until 2030 to address the classroom shortage, while PHP 5.6 billion would be needed to hire 20,000 teachers in the upcoming school year, as discussed in the Senate plenary deliberations on the proposed 2024 national budget. Aside from the education sector, the Department of Health (DOH) has been grappling with vaccine shortages, namely pertussis, which has led to 54 infant deaths since the beginning of the year. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in 2022, the Philippines was among the top 5 contributors to the 18 million zero-dose children in the world. Despite this and multiple warnings from health authorities, the Philippines still hasn’t fully addressed this vaccine gap, leaving one million unvaccinated Filipino children vulnerable and susceptible to life-threatening diseases such as polio, measles, and tuberculosis. In light of these issues, resources should be prioritized in these matters instead of the PUVMP. Action must be taken immediately to address these pressing concerns and ensure the well-being of the Filipino people.

Are E-jeeps really the “better option”?

According to a study by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), jeepneys only make up about 2% of the total registered vehicles in the nation and PUVs only contribute about 15% of the total particulate matter emissions in Metro Manila. If the PUVMP aims to transform our public transportation into becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly, this number does not justify the relentless pressure on jeepney drivers to consolidate. The PUVMP will only contribute 2% to the country’s vehicles that cause pollution. This raises the question of the significance of its impact on saving the environment and reducing emissions in the long run. Additionally, modern jeepneys still run on fossil fuels, such as petroleum oil, defeating the purpose of the program’s goal of creating a more environmentally friendly public transport system. In the same study by CEED, it was argued that solely focusing modernization efforts on jeepneys to reduce air pollution would be negligible. Taking this into account, the government should instead consider upgrading traditional jeepneys to meet the proposed emission standards which would be cheaper for the program.

Furthermore, as said in a paper by the UP Center for Integrative and Developmental Studies, drawing from the current rate of assembly of modern jeepneys, it will take an estimated 270 years before all traditional jeepneys in the country are replaced. This begs the question of why the government keeps enforcing deadlines when it will take almost three centuries before all jeepneys are replaced with e-jeeps.

The PUVMP, while well-intentioned, presents a flawed solution. The environmental costs being too high, the unjust burden on the poor, and the uncertain consequences of such a drastic transition are strong arguments for reconsideration. The government should consider other options like rehabilitating existing jeepneys and using cleaner-burning fuels. One example that can be improved with the government’s help is the rehabilitated jeepney proposed by the Libmanan Transport Service Cooperative (LIBTRASCO). This model includes all government-specified features of the modernized jeepney—such as a side door, a higher ceiling, bigger windows, and even stabilizers to account for the increased height. Compared to e-jeeps, these rehabilitated models only cost around PHP 400 thousand to PHP 500 thousand, making them more affordable for jeepney drivers. Though the rehabilitated jeepney still uses the jeepney’s diesel engine, it can still be adapted to use a Euro 4 engine and even include air conditioning. If the government chooses to work with LIBTRASCO and retrofit the rehabilitated jeepney as an alternative, the Philippines can then improve its transport system while keeping its traditional jeepneys and people’s livelihoods by prioritizing affordability, inclusiveness, and a sustainable future.

Modernization shouldn’t be at the expense of the workers. The primary reason why many are aggressively opposing the program is that the welfare of jeepney drivers was not carefully considered when they should be the center of the solution. For the past years that the modernization program has been implemented, instead of listening to the pleas and concerns of jeepney drivers, commuters, and other constituents, the government has kept imposing the jeepney consolidation and resisting any demands by the public.

Taking all of this into account, we must request the government to prioritize policies that consider the money and power of all citizens, especially those from poor backgrounds. This includes subsidizing the move towards modern vehicles or examining other options that do not oppress marginalized communities. Instead of pushing jeepney drivers to consolidate and buy e-jeeps, the government should consider exploring and supporting initiatives that use cleaner-burning fuels and retrofitting existing jeepneys to meet emission standards to help maintain the environment in its sustainable state without overhauling the iconic jeepney fleet.

Above all else, this transition must be led by the workers—jeepney drivers whom the public has relied on for decades. Development must be made with the public in mind, not without.

// by Kela Alcantara & Xia Mentes

References:

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Magramo, K. (2024, January 16). Philippines jeepneys: Will the loud, colorful vehicles soon disappear from the roads?. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/16/asia/philippines-jeepney-phase-out-strikes-intl-hnk/index.html

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Mondoñedo-Ynot, L. (2024, April 10). April 30 is final deadline for Puv Consolidation. SunStar Publishing Inc. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/april-30-is-final-deadline-for-puv-consolidation

Ombay, G. (2023, November 9). DepEd lacks nearly 90,000 teachers - Pia Cayetano. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/887851/deped-lacks-nearly-90-000-teachers-pia-cayetano/story/

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Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2024, April 14). DOH’s Lack of Vaccine Urgency. INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/172935/dohs-lack-of-vaccine-urgency

Presidential Communications Office. (2024, January 24). PBBM approves three-month extension of PUV Consolidation. https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-approves-three-month-extension-of-puv-consolidation/

RAC. (n.d.). Euro 1 to Euro 6 guide – find out your vehicle’s emissions standard. https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/euro-emissions-standards/

Relativo, J. (2023, December 28). Unconsolidated jeepneys, UV Express “allowed to operate” until Jan. 31, 2024. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/12/28/2321963/unconsolidated-jeepneys-uv-express-allowed-operate-until-jan-31-2024

Relativo, J. (2024, April 30). Unconsolidated jeepneys given “15-day leeway” after consolidation deadline. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/30/2351543/unconsolidated-jeepneys-given-15-day-leeway-after-consolidation-deadline

Reyes, R. O. (2024, January 29). Jeepney drivers rejoice “partial victory” for phaseout extension. SunStar Publishing Inc. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/tacloban/jeepney-drivers-rejoice-partial-victory-for-phaseout-extension#:~:text=approved%20the%20extension%20for%20franchise

Rivas, R. (2023, March 7). In numbers: Why jeepney phaseout is anti-poor, will do little for environment. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/business/numbers-why-government-phaseout-jeepneys-anti-poor-do-little-environment/

Santos, J. (2024, February 7). Consolidation extension is not what the protest demands. Philippine Collegian.https://phkule.org/article/1106/consolidation-extension-is-not-what-the-protest-demands

[gr2humss12-4]

If you want more insights and perspectives about the different social issues we've encountered, we would love to recommend different topics. This blog recommendation covers a wide range of topics, from Inflation to Genocide, offering diverse viewpoints and in-depth analysis. Check it out for thought-provoking articles and discussions on today's most pressing social issues.⚖️💫 (PART 1 OF 2)

#VoicesForChange

Inflation

https://www.reuters.com/markets/goodbye-maybe-great-inflation-scare-world-bank-blog-2023-12-18/

https://www.creditkarma.com/financial-planning/i/what-causes-inflation

Jeepney Phaseout

False Information

Teenage Pregnancy

[riammm]

Imbis na sana nag hahanda sila para sa bagong taon kasama pamilya nila andito sila sa kalsada dahil sa napaka walang kwentang gobyerno. Nakakagalit kasi napaka rich-centric ng bansa natin knowing na majority ay working class and lower class, lahat nalang mas nagbebenifit ang mga mayayaman, kaya di na talaga ko nagtataka bakit halos karamihan sa mga mayayaman gustong gusto si Marcos.

NO TO JEEPNEY PHASE OUT YES TO MARCOS-DUTERTE PHASE OUT

[asta-daily]

Jeepney

We cannot talk about the Philippines without showing a jeepney. Made from jeeps left behind by WW2 GIs, they are still produced to this day. Wonderful, creatives, colorful, they are works of art, highly customized to the extreme. You can go anywhere, you can repair them on the spot, rear opening ease the passengers loading, what's not to like about the jeepneys? Well... to be honest, a bit. Poor emissions, traffic congestion, noise, security... The old generations are gradually phased out, there's talk about e-jeepney replacement program that would let behind a lot of drivers (and small rural locations). It's like having an old trusty car. It's custom, comfy and handy, you have so much memories attached, you wouldn't sell it for the world but boy, does it gulps!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney

/* Pencil doodle on A6 sketchbook - Portemine sur carnet A6 */

Impossible de parler des Philippines sans mentionner les Jeepneys. Faites à partir de jeeps abandonnées par les soldats américains, elles sont encore produites aujourd'hui. Merveilleuses de créativité, colorées, instantanément reconnaissables, ce sont de véritables oeuvres d'art modifiées à l’extrême selon les envies et lubies de leur propriétaires. Vous pouvez vous rendre partout, les réparer à la volée, la montée à l'arrière permet de se passer d'abribus. Franchement c'est pas le meilleur des transports en commun ? En fait, pas vraiment. Polluantes, encombrantes, bruyantes, pas de ceinture... Les anciennes générations sont peu à peu remplacées. Il y a bien un programme de jeepneys électriques mais qui laisserait beaucoup de chauffeurs (et le monde rural) dans les choux. C'est comme posséder une bonne vielle bagnole depuis des lustres. On l'a personnalisée de stickers et de gadgets, on la trouve confortable, pratique, attachante, chaque bout évoque un souvenir et vous ne l'échangeriez pas contre une fortune ou deux mais bon dieu, qu'est-ce qu'elle boit et fume !

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney      

[grvntld]

28 june 2023—took one of mah bebi sistuhrs out on a date tahday 𖡼⊱✿⊰𖡼 we did a bit of ukay hopping but rlly we just went to two of my fave ukay shops hehe i got so many good finds while my sistuhr got two grad dress options and a few other pretty items too ♡ then we went to megamall bc i wanted to buy smthng in zara but omg phased out na raw huhu so then we just ate our hearts out instead hihi we had so much fun

p.s. i rlly need to relearn driving and finally get my license para di kami grab grab + commute pag di avail si moosey. tbh, this is the first time that i crossed a busy highway and rode a jeepney in years—like maybe four years ganOrn. aint a flex, im just sharing kasi i find it strange na ganOrn na pala katagal. lol.

[saerotonins]

OMG A BARBIE THEMED BLOG!! nice to meet you, ate rica!! and yes, no to jeepney phase out hehe. advanced happy new year to youuu. wishing you so much love and joy for the upcoming year <333

ps nakita ko yung opm playlist mo 😭 do you have a taglist for it??

ABSOLUTELYYYYY the only one we should phaseout is [redacted] and his family 😝‼️ also, hello kaori!! welcome to my blog, im glad u liked my theme tehehe (urs is so pretty too btw !! glad to see a fellow jenjen luvr!! shes so gf coded). advanced happy new year as well!! may 2024 become a yr for us baddies 🫶🏻 as for my opm taglist, i dont have one yet but maybe i'll work on it soon! thank u for showing interest 🫶🏻🎀

[tagapagsalaysay]

phasing out jeepneys and raising mrt prices. Wow. We need to burn peoples cars now

[artistslashperfectionist]

Simple But Rock

Momoy Sarabia

Nothing ever beats a colorful jeepney even if it looks like a regular piece of tin can.

[spadesolace]

ano pong masasabi nyo sa 'no jeepney phase out'

bakit bigla may political topic sa asks ko...

no to jeepney phase out, in this economy and the living cost sa pinas? hindi din practical, if manggagaling pa sa sarili mong bulsa yung million/s na yon para sa modernized jeepney. its unjust

[pannaginip]

[Start ID:

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel on Twitter @iamRaoulManuel:

Makiisa sa drivers at operators na pinupwersa ni Marcos Jr na isuko ang prangkisa sa mga negosyo!

Commuters, wag nating hayaan na i-phase out ang unconsolidated jeepneys by new year. Magdurusa tayo sa lalong pagbulok ng public transport system!

(Attached is a poster for a fundraising initiative by Tulong Kabataan PH titled, "Sukli Para Kay Manong!")

For monetary donations:

UnionBank:

Earl Benz Molina

1096 6083 8825

GCash:

An*a Kr*****a M.

0921-889-1348

For in-kind donations, we encourage ready-to-eat meals, but other donations are welcome! For those in/near NCR, drop-off site is PUP Main Bldg, Sta. Mesa, Manila.

End ID.]

[odeofeya]

His Arms

When I get out of our local jeepney,

He's always there—waiting for me

To welcome me, his arms were always ready

Like I was a fragile flower,

Like I was his most prized treasure

I adored it, really

It made me feel safe, away from enemies

His arms made me feel safe, anchored, and steady

His arms made me feel like I could do anything while I had him with me

I look at the sky with just one request,

That this arm will become stronger after each quest

That this arm will not falter, after every rest

That this arm will stay sturdy for most of our lives

That it will grow old with time and strive,

That it will not soften too fast, and that it would always be alive

That his arm and our love would always be alive

Alive to greet me, out of each jeepney

After every phase of our life's journey,

His arm would be full of love, full of energy

With his smile as its company—always and for eternity

Always and as long as fate permits us to be

[yellowhippo]

Spilling the Yellow Beans, March 2025:

Travelling on that Sputnik Sweetheart space craft.

A journey I have not prepared myself for as I had my mother choose this book among other 2 (or was it 3??) books I've felt a so-called "calling" that they wanted to be brought out of their (plastic) confinement.

Reading it's blurb, it honestly did not feel that 'special' enough for me to really feel a connection to Haruki Murakami's Sputnik Sweetheart. The blurb presented it as some kind of a romance story, and honestly, I'm not that big on romance this past few weeks (months, I think) as it's not an emotion I wish to live in just yet. But since it's my mother's birth month, I went with the choice she picked.

Initially, she chose Sputnik Sweetheart because of the 'Sputnik' in it. She seems to be familiar with it for some reason, a certain 'Aha!' in her eyes when she saw the title at first glance. Now, as a 90's baby, I honestly don't know what that 'Aha!' spark meant in her eye. Turns out that Sputnik was a space craft of sorts back in the day. Perhaps, that's why my mom was familiar with it? The said space craft overlaps with her youth (or at least before she had me, I think. Not so sure though).

Anyway. Sputnik Sweetheart. Unexpectedly, it was soooo relatable - specially the romance aspect in it. Ironic, because I am pretty clear that I still do not want to live in that 'romance phase' as I've had a couple of heartbreaks when I was younger. As if the book felt what my biggest heartbreak was, this book chose to bring me back to that certain heartbreak…or rather, that certain someone that didn't really choose to break my heart but still did as I made that person break it out of my own expectations. You see, I considered someone my "first love". We weren't really dating, nor did it ever come close to that. But I wanted it to reach that level of INTIMACY so badly. We were, you could say, in some kind of relationship that was between platonic and romantic. Or, I think it might just be me who thinks that because that person made it clear that FRIENDSHIP was all there was to what we had. My first ever 'friendzone', you could say. Hopefully, the last, because it really did break me. I'll boldly say that that person was - is - the reason why I choose to not find romance at my age and just believe I'd grow old with just a friend by my side.

But back to the Murakami's book.

"Writing novels is much the same. You gather up bones and make your gate, but no matter how wonderful the gate might be, that alone doesn't make a living, breathing novel. A story is not something of this world. A real story requires a kind of magical baptism to link the world on this side with the world on the other side."

As I said earlier, the relatedness I felt to this book was unexpected because the fact that this had a romance element to it overshadowed a non-biased judgement and outlook on what other elements the book had to offer.

1.) One (and probably the biggest reason) was that Sumire, one of the protagonist is a writer herself. Something I can heavily relate with. A writer who struggles with using her power with words to create something tangible, or at least, meaningful. 2.) Two, (the bitter romantic element) was that she had - or at least, she believed - that she had fallen in love with someone of the same gender. But was soon REJECTED, or rather, was 'friendzoned'.

These two made heart, mind, and soul latch on to the story, each word gripping me close and caging me in a prison of what the narrator, "K", has created around Sumire and Miu's character.

"Do you know what 'Sputnik' means in Russian? 'Travelling companion'."

3.) A third reason why I found this book relatable was that it became my travelling companion. Most of the time I use in reading books for this book talk series is from my travelling time to and fro work. Sometimes inside a bus, a jeepney, but mostly in the train with my headphones playing violin music by Lindsey Stirling.

"If I'm closing my eyes out on the highway Take the wheel and I go anywhere You know I'll go anywhere with you."

The books I pick up for this series keep getting a random song I end up connecting to it. Just like this one. Since Sputnik means travelling companion, for some reason, I found myself listening to Jeff Satur's latest single, Ride or Die.

The song itself somehow narrates my own emotions to that certain heartbreak. Because I was so ready to close my eyes and let the person take lead. I'd surely follow the person wherever that person chose to go. I just wanted to be the person beside that person. I wanted to be the 'special someone' that that person considers to be spending the FUTURE with. I just wanted to be that companion that would stay, no matter what.

- Just My Writing -

WRITING. Honestly, this is the only thing I believe I am capable of. I'm at that point where I believe that I've reached my peak and this is it. Nothing more. I won't, I can't, I shan't hope for more. I feel like writing is I will ever be able to do until my last breath.

Of course, I'm not writing a novel here. I don't know what to call it. Just writing. I'm thinking aloud, so there's no need to wrap things up neatly. I have no moral obligations. I'm merely - hmm - thinking.

THINKING. I'd like to believe that I am still capable of this. But that's all there is. Thinking, hoping, dreaming of a future where I am something more than just a writer. Where I am a writer but also a published author of a novel, a director of my own TV series from one of my published works. A scriptwriter. A playwright. Perhaps, a lyricist (but the gift of music isn't exactly on my side right now).

Just…more.

They say it's dangerous to include dreams (actual dreams or otherwise) in the fiction you write. Only a handful of writers - and I'm talking the most talented - are able to pull off the kind of irrational synthesis you find in dreams.

Can I DREAM of 'more' though? With my state of being a literal lazy ass and a couch potato, I don't really see myself doing more than what I already know of. I'm stuck. And even writing, even thinking and dreaming, is sometimes - most times - not enough to drag me out of that hellish thought of just being this and not more.

Still, I want to relate a dream, one I had recently. I want to record this dream simply as a fact that concerns me and my life.

But I do not want to stay just as this. I want to be more. And I will be more through thinking, hoping, dreaming. I will be MORE. I am already 'more' because I want to believe that I can achieve more.

- Recorded Dreams -

Which is why I keep tabs on my reads for this whole year. I want to take a step further. I want to take on a different CHALLENGE. One I have been wanting to do but have been procrastinating about for months. Maybe this is already 'more' as it's not something I ever thought I could, or would, ever do just because.

So I'll keep recording my dreams.

"I feel it, I feel on overdrive I feel it, I feel we're bout to dive Pedal down your love is a ride Full speed we ride or we die."

I may still be lost (yes, at 30, I am still lost), but I'll keep riding because that's all there is to life. Keep riding with your dreams at full speed. And even if I'm on overdrive, I'll keep riding until I feel like I've got all the 'more' I ever dreamed and thought of.

When dawn comes, the person I am won't be here any more. Someone else will occupy this body.

I hope that 'someone else' could be bold enough like the 'someone else' I've met before to do something unexpected and soul-feeding because I remembered how that was the most exhilarating 'travel' I've ever experienced. It was a SPUTNIK space craft of my own where I had people hang on to every whim I had. People who were my ride or die.

[g2bmma401]

COMPILATION

Hello and welcome to our blog! We're students from STI College Cubao studying Bachelor of Multimedia Arts. Here, we showcase our projects from this semester focused on creating new media. You'll find our vlogs, data analyses, scripts, individual podcast scripts, and audio productions. Each project reflects our efforts to learn and explore different aspects of multimedia.

MIDTERM PREFORMANCE TASK (VLOG)

VL(UGBO)

This is the Ugbo found in Tondo, Manila. An entire street is full of food stalls where you can find new and astonishingly tasty flavors. Come and join Jason, Kyle, Louie, and Mark in the trendy street market. So, if you ever wonder in Manila, don’t forget to hop on a visit to one of the most must-try food areas in the metro. Our vlog will feature Jason, Kyle, Louie, and Mark as they explore the bustling UGBO street market. We'll show you a variety of food options, from traditional Filipino dishes to unique street food creations.

PRE FINAL PERFORMANCE TASK (PODCAST SCRIPT)

The topic is about one of the trending issues in the Philippines today: the jeepney phaseout. We're telling the story through Mang Ronny, a jeepney driver who's been around for more than 20 years. The decision to phase out the jeepneys affects him and many others whose livelihoods depend on the jeepneys.

FINAL PERFORMANCE TASK (PODCAST SCRIPT/AUDIO INDIVIDUAL)

For our final performance task.

The final task requires participants to create a podcast script based on their own experiences and insights about writing for new media. This script will show how you have progressed in new media writing and what ideas you have learnt from it. After drafting the script, it is important to convert it into spoken word or audio format. With this step, we are able to see your ability as a writer and also how well you can present ideas verbally.

Due to Tumblr's upload limit of up to 10 audio files, we are unable to host our entire audio content directly on the blog. However, here is the continuation of our work by the same group.

click here to go continuation page of Final Performance Task