Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Research-Proposal Group 4
Research-Proposal Group 4
By:
2024
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
(02) 5335 1787
CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM
Introduction
Jeepneys stand out as the predominant mode of public transportation in the Philippines,
embodying a unique historical legacy. Originating from surplus military jeeps left by the United
States after World War II, the jeepney has become an iconic symbol of Filipino transportation
(Meiners, 2016). Over the decades, these colorful and customized vehicles have played a crucial
role in Commuters in the Philippines. They commonly relied on Jeepneys as their primary daily
maintenance systems, the need for passenger and driver safety assurances, environmental
impacts, and issues related to improper loading and unloading of passengers, the government
In addressing these concerns, the Philippine government has taken steps towards
Program (PUVMP). Launched in 2017 under Department Order No. 2017-011, this initiative is
recognized as the Omnibus Guidelines for the Planning and Identification of Public Road
Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance (Viado, 2023). The objective of the program is to
replace aging jeepneys, particularly those that are 15 years old and older, with modern vehicles
(Gatarin, 2023). The introduction of these replacements will bring about a considerable impact
on drivers and operators who have devoted a substantial amount of time to the industry (Nano,
2017).
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
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movement in response to the worsening of environmental problems such as air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions. Jeepneys are one of the most frequently utilized means of
alternative. It has also been a source of pride among Filipinos, who used to brag about it in front
transportation system, one of the problems that may arise would be the effects of this on the
Jeepney drivers. Jeepney drivers don't have a fixed income, and most belong to the lower classes.
They rely solely on their daily earnings from driving passengers. They need to make several trips
to earn a decent amount of money, but often, it would still not be enough. They give them
responsibility or pressure to buy modern jeepneys costing between 1.6 million to 2.4 million
(Lalu, 2024), where the government's subsidy covers only 160,000 to 260,000 (Moya, 2023),
and mostly, it is the drivers who will shoulder the remaining cost.
Jeepney drivers, often considered the unsung heroes of the country's commuting culture
and would be the most affected by this modernization. These drivers, many of whom come from
modernization on their livelihoods, families, and communities. The jeepney industry not only
serves as a means of transportation but also as a source of employment for thousands of drivers
and operators. If the government and private sectors will push through the use of newer, more
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
(02) 5335 1787
advanced and eco-friendly vehicles, how will the jeepney drivers cope with this modernization
plan when their earnings are only enough for their daily lives. The researchers see the need to
address the socio - economic status of Jeepney drivers in implementing this modernization.
This study delves into the socio-economic status of jeepney drivers along Teresa Street
Sta. Mesa Manila amidst the ongoing modernization efforts. By examining factors such as their
monthly income, employment security, educational attainment, years of being a jeepney driver,
and their overall economic stability. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the
challenges and opportunities faced by this crucial sector. The primary goal of this research is to
explore the socio-economic status of jeepney drivers within the context of modernization.
Through an in-depth analysis, the goal is to generate insights that contribute to a holistic
socio-economic status of Jeepney drivers, ultimately informing policies and interventions aimed
This study entitled “Stop & Shop: Jeepney Drivers Amidst Modernization in Socio -
Economic Status Lense,” aims to determine the effects of implementation of PUVMP on the
socio - economic status of Jeepney drivers in Teresa Street Sta. Manila that goes along Cubao
Specifically, the researchers will investigate how this modernization will impact the lives
of Jeepney drivers:
1.1 Age,
1.2 Gender,
2. How does the modernization of the jeepney industry affect the livelihoods of jeepney
3. What are the specific challenges and concerns related to employment security that
jeepney drivers from lower economic classes may face during the modernization process,
program?
Hypothesis
The hypothesis of this study posits that Modernization will have a big impact on Jeepney
drivers' economic status in terms of income levels, employment security, and overall economic
stability. Adoption of modernized vehicles may lead to a decline in the income stability of
jeepney drivers. This could be due to factors such as increased operational costs, loan
repayments for acquiring modern vehicles, and potential fluctuations in passenger demand
during the transition. This also posits that modernization may result in reduced job security for
jeepney drivers. Traditional jeepneys are often owned and operated by individual drivers or small
cooperatives. The shift to modernized systems may involve larger corporations or companies,
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
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(02) 5335 1787
driving positions.
This study intends to establish the status of jeepney drivers, particularly those who work
on stop-and-shop routes, in the face of modernization using a socio - economic lens. The study
will primarily focus on Jeepney drivers, who are directly impacted by the proposed change, as
well as commuters who use the Jeepney as their primary mode of transportation. We
acknowledge that this figure may still not be sufficient to represent all transportation
stakeholders. Generalizations based on the findings of this study should be approached with
caution.
The significance of this study is that it may help improve the proposed plan, recognize
the struggles of both drivers and commuters, and gain a better knowledge of the repercussions of
implementation.
To the drivers, this study will shed further light on the difficulties that this
implementation has caused for drivers, particularly as it puts their source of income at risk.
To commuters, this study will help highlight the importance of including the commuters'
perspective in this situation, particularly because the program was designed with them in mind
To the government, the study would serve as an eye-opener about the impact of this
compulsory law. This could additionally push them to develop a more thoughtful approach that is
To future researchers, the study holds significance as it will provide prior knowledge
modernization. It will provide thorough and elaborate details that future researchers can utilize
regarding what this has brought to the jeepney drivers. The study will also serve as a guide and
basis for creating another engaging analysis that could help the students in the upcoming years.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
(02) 5335 1787
CHAPTER II
This chapter presents the related literature and studies from foreign and local sources that
the researchers considered in strengthening the claim and importance of the present study. This
Foreign Studies
Modernization by Government, Jeepneys play a crucial role in the daily life of Filipino
independent operators. Nevertheless, the persistent reliance on jeepneys has raised apprehensions
regarding environmental impact and safety issues, primarily due to their outdated design and
substantial emissions. The implementation of the PUVMP has sparked concerns among
transportation groups who fear that the consolidation and elevated expenses associated with
modernized jeepneys might lead individual operators into a potentially monopolized and
In the study of Gatarin (2023), as the need for low-carbon mobility options and the
alleviation of traffic congestion in cities like Metro Manila became urgent, the administration
initiated an ambitious Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). The goal was to
replace aged and deteriorating jeepneys, 15 years and older, with modern vehicles. Amidst the
changes aimed at enhancing service quality for commuters, the PUVMP posed challenges for
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
(02) 5335 1787
thousands of informal transport workers. These challenges included the phasing out of traditional
jeepneys, concerns about the affordability of acquiring modern units leading to anti-poor
According to Beltran (2024), from his article entitled “Philippines' jeepney transition
plan runs into gridlock” the challenges faced by commuters in Manila is due to the government's
plan to phase out traditional jeepneys in favor of mini buses. The government wants to stop the
diesel engines of jeepneys from polluting the air, but drivers and operators are resisting. Owners
must join a cooperative and pay $50,000 for a minibus as part of the transition plan. Critics claim
the scheme burdens drivers while benefiting manufacturers, and there have been protests and
strikes as a result. There is still worry about escalating transportation problems and economic
disruptions even after a grace period. Piston, the transportation collective, is still opposing the
Westerman (2018), highlights the resistance against the Philippine government's plan to
modernize and replace traditional jeepneys, a popular form of public transport, with newer,
eco-friendly models. The government aims to address pollution concerns and make the transport
system more efficient. However, the resistance, led by transport rights group Piston, argues that
the modernization plan is "anti-poor" and profit-oriented. Jeepneys, synonymous with daily life
in the Philippines, have become a significant mode of transportation, particularly for the poor.
The resistance emphasizes the financial challenges for drivers and operators in affording the new
models, leading to strikes and protests. Despite the government's goal of making the system
more efficient, critics argue for a socially just and democratic approach, pushing for
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
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nationalization of public transport. The article presents differing perspectives among riders on
the project modernizing jeepneys in the Philippines. The study emphasized the importance of
efficient transportation for modernized cities since it promotes state-to-state connectivity and acts
as a step toward economic growth. The Philippines appears to be unable to keep up with such
rapid development since many administrations have passed and nothing has been done. The
so-called "king of the roads" has clearly fallen behind, not just because of its issues but also
because those who were meant to be assisting drivers and commuters are blindly making
implementations without thinking about their impact. All parties involved—operators, drivers,
passengers, and local manufacturers—are in favor of modernization, but only if it has been
thoroughly planned and not simply because politicians want to keep up with wealthier countries.
A study conducted by Guno et al. (2021) highlighted the need for reconsidering local
manufacturers in light of the negative feedback that existing electric vehicles have received.
Although it has competent qualities, there are still reasons why many people refuse to adopt it,
such as its impact on dealerships, revenue streams, and refueling and charging structures.
The paper of Agaton et al. (2020), argues for an open comparison of combustion and
electric vehicles using economic, social, and environmental considerations. Electric vehicles are
undoubtedly a promising means of achieving a sustainable transportation system, and they are
also favored because of general economic indications. But evaluating it only based on features
will always be uneconomic. The aim of this entire modernization project would undoubtedly lead
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
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to solving global issues—but only if, as previously noted in studies and literature—there is
Local Studies
As indicated by Rivas (2023), the cost of each modern e-jeepney is approximately PHP
2,800,000 per unit. However, the government's financial support covers only 5.7% of this total,
amounting to PHP 160,000. Despite the government proposing a loan program to facilitate the
acquisition of modern jeepneys, the high cost remains a substantial obstacle. This situation puts
the jobs of many drivers and operators in jeopardy, as a considerable number of jeepney owners
cannot afford the steep price associated with modernizing their vehicles. While modernization is
a commendable step towards innovation and infrastructural development, there is a pressing need
for further discussion and consideration, given the significant risks it poses to the livelihoods of
many Filipinos.
In the article of Ricaña (2023), she depicts a jeepney driver's life for a day and its 37
years of experience driving in a traditional jeepney. The driver has witnessed many of the
government's implementation of anti-poor policies, which has brought an enormous problem for
them because it threatens their livelihood. One of those is the PUV Modernization Program,
which may be the reason for the loss of the livelihoods of small-time jeepney drivers. Despite
their experiences, he continues to fight for their rights. Under the modernization program, PUVs
that are at least 15 years old will be replaced with new units that cost five times more than
traditional ones. Because modern vehicles are expensive, small-time drivers have two options for
purchasing them. Either work a set number of hours for a defined wage and reach a quota per
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
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duty, or rent the units for the day. In both circumstances, the drivers suffer a loss. They find it
difficult to sacrifice their body only to pay for this large amount of money. For him, they should
fight for their rights, for so long this is the reason why they survive their everyday challenges.
The study of Atos et. al (2021) gathers thoughts and opinions of jeepney drivers and
commuters along with the PUVMP in Baguio City. The results showed that drivers and operators
opposed the scheme, although commuters supported it. The jeepney drivers and operators formed
their opinions based on their financial situation, whereas commuters emphasized their safety and
comfort. When asked how they will deal with the PUVMP, jeepney drivers offered a negative
array of options. Their responses ranged from just obeying since that is what the government
wants, opting for illegal schemes to earn money, to entirely losing their employment.
Moreover, there are two major "blind sides" to modernization implementation. The high
cost per unit of the aforementioned contemporary jeepney and its impact on the potential fare
increase to cover the number of modern jeepneys. High unit pricing implies high annual
payments, which are compounded by high interest. Amortizations per year and per day rise as
the base price of modern jeepneys rises, resulting in high earnings from passenger fares required
by the driver or operator per day to pay the unit's entire expenses. The high cost of modern
jeepneys will result in increased charges for passengers, which may produce financial instability
for the public due to the high cost of living. As a result of this, daily wage earners will seek
higher wages. The effects will be felt throughout the economy (Mendoza, 2021).
As stated in the article of Punongbayan (2023), the economic aspects of the Philippine
drivers and passengers. The high costs of modern jeepneys, ranging from P1.3 million to P2.6
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
(02) 5335 1787
million, are financially burdensome for drivers earning only a few thousand pesos per day. The
government offers subsidies, but they cover only a fraction of the total cost. Other costs include
capital expenditures for infrastructure and operational costs like maintenance and insurance. The
but this comes with challenges, as drivers must contribute substantial amounts to join
cooperatives. Financial strain on jeepney drivers, many of whom are still recovering from the
pandemic's impact on their industry. The author suggests the government may need to consider
more extensive subsidies or explore alternative funding sources, such as reclaiming estate taxes
Conceptual Framework
Jeepneys, iconic in Filipino culture as symbols of creativity and innovation and often
referred to as the "King of the Road," serve as the focal point of this study. This research seeks to
explore the experiences of Jeepney drivers within the context of the proposed Public Utility
a particular thing or status as well as the event from a certain standpoint or perspective in order
In this study the researchers used the theory of Gealogo because of the emergence of a
dispute between jeepney drivers and the government due to the implementation of modernization
that will greatly affect the socio-economic status as well as the livelihood of many jeepney
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
(02) 5335 1787
drivers in our country. The adoption of hermeneutics in this research promises a profound
decision aims to prevent the establishment of biases during the research process, allowing for a
thorough analysis of the effects of cultural and social contexts on the study. Additionally,
comprehensive tool to bridge the gap between the study and its contextual intricacies, facilitating
The conceptual framework of this study showed the process of gathering data on Jeepney
drivers in Teresa St. Manila that goes along Cubao and Stop & Shop routes. The researchers
chose the Input, Process, and Output Model to explain the process of this study on getting
information on Jeepney drivers. The input consists of: first, the Demographic profile of Jeepney
drivers such as their age, gender, educational attainment, monthly income and years of being a
Jeepney driver; second, how this modernization affects their livelihoods in terms of income,
employment, and their overall economic stability; third, how will they navigate the
implementation of the modernization program. The process involves the thorough analysis and
interpretation of gathered data. All analyzed and interpreted data are used in the formulation of
the output.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
(02) 5335 1787
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter will provide an overview of the method to be used for the research study.
Under this part the research design, the population and sample of the study and the research
instrument.
Research Design
The research design of this study falls under a qualitative approach that will be used in
gathering data to prevail the socio-economic status of Jeepney drivers along Teresa St., Sta.
Mesa Manila amidst the implementation of PUV Modernization Program. Researchers choose
qualitative because respondents' provided data will be based on self-thought and expression
rather than explicit figures and statistics. Qualitative research is most suited for this topic since it
emphasizes analysis and provides in-depth insights into the socioeconomic status of Jeepney
drivers.
The subjects in this study are jeepney drivers in Teresa St., Sta. Mesa Manila goes along
Cubao and Stop & Shop. The sampling methods that researchers utilize are purposive techniques
researchers choose a specified set of persons or units for analysis since our purpose is to
understand the socio-economic situation of jeepney drivers amidst the implementation of the
PUV Modernization Program. The participants of this study will be jeepney drivers because
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
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they face particular problems that the researchers want to address, specifically their
Research Instrument
To obtain the accurate data required for this study, the researchers will conduct
semi-structured interviews. This study instrument is more appropriate since interviews allow for
a better understanding of moods, capturing the true feelings and reactions of jeepney drivers to
the execution of the PUV Modernization Program and its effect on their socioeconomic situation.
Interview questions will focus on income levels, employment stability, educational attainment,
access to social assistance, and the general well-being of drivers and their families.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
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POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
1016 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila
(02) 5335 1787
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POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
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