The Department of Transportation (DOTr) reported on Wednesday that 17,284 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators have undergone the P450-million Tsuper Iskolar Program of the government.
A project under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the Tsuper Iskolar Program provides drivers, operators and their relatives the opportunity to avail of free training, skills assessment, and financial support while enrolled at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).
âWe are happy that many drivers, operators, and their relatives have graduated under the Tsuper Iskolar Program. This program is a big help for our drivers and operators, who can now improve their service or add new means to make a living during the pandemic,â Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said.
To date, a total of 20,588 beneficiaries have availed of the scholarship.
Initially, the program was allotted P350 million for its initial implementation. This year, the agency is allotting an additional P100 million to accommodate 4,000 more scholars.
Under the Tsuper Iskolar program, drivers, operators and other transport workers can choose training and courses offered by Tesda such as driving, automotive repair, or construction.
Drivers and operators may also pass on the scholarship to their children, siblings or other relatives. Each trainee is entitled to P350 per day for their food and transportation expenses while undergoing the 30 to 35-day course.
Aside from those endorsed by the transportation departmentâs line agencies, Tesda also accepts walk-in, online, barangay applicants, and those qualified from organized enrollment seminars or fairs.
âThe program has a variety of courses for our beneficiaries to choose from â from construction to automotive repair, from agriculture courses to food and beverage-related courses. This program will help benefit many of our drivers, especially those who were displaced due to the Covid-19 pandemic,â Tugade said.
He also encouraged more drivers and their family members to apply as scholars.
âWe at the DOTr and our partner Tesda are inviting our transport workers to join this program to open their lives to more avenues of livelihood,â Tugade said.