Angela Mikaela de Guzman

Feature-English
Beep, Do You Agree to Say Bye Jeepney?

Jeepneys are hailed as the “Hari ng Kalsada” or the “King of the Road” in the
Philippines, but with the implementation of Department Order No. 2017-011, they might no
longer hold that title.

On the first week of March in the year 2023, the transport groups in the country
announced a nation-wide transportation strike with the intent to delay and stop the jeepney
phase-out. The implementation of Department Order No, 2017-011 aims to modernize the
vehicles used in serving the commuters. The goal is to upgrade the current PUVs into
environmental-friendly and efficient vehicles that are equipped with safety features expected
of a public utility vehicle.

This decision of the government is faced with the resistance of the jeepney operators
and drivers who resorted to a strike. The transportation strike led to suspension, otherwise
long-distance implementation, of work and classes all over the country. In an interview
conducted by the ANC 2/4 that is posted in YouTube, the Filipino citizens interviewed did not
agree with the phasing out of the traditional jeepneys.

“Isipin mo, may sariling jeep tayo, ba’t sila kukuha sa ibang bansa?” (Think of it, we
have our own jeep, why would they import from other countries?) a Filipino male said in the
ANC 24/7 interview said. His statement further established the fact that jeepneys serve as a
symbol of the Philippine culture and art. Not only that, according to another interviewed
Filipino citizen in the same video, she had been riding the jeepney since she was studying and
until after she started working, which directly meant that the vehicle is deeply engraved in the
daily lives of the Filipino folks.

“Paano kami?”

That is the common cry of all the jeepney operators interviewed by Rappler on the PUV
modernization program. The government’s goal is not in the wrong, some agree that the
modern vehicles were indeed comfortable and provide a sense of safety for the passengers,
and that modernization is not bad. However, they also agree that government should consider
the capabilities of the common folk in keeping up with their plans.

The interviewees all expressed how the modernization won’t provide them with any
help, they added that pursuing the program would only push the operators to be buried with
debt. All of the share the sentiment of how they won’t be able to pay-off the amount needed
for the vehicle upgrade and are calling out for consideration from the government, from the
president to be precise. Their jeepneys has served as their livelihood, sometimes an heirloom
from father to son, and undoubtedly made its place in their daily life.

In face with the urbanization of the Philippines and despite the resistance, is it really
time to enthrone a new vehicle to serve the masses?