With a little help from the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) on Monday said the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Labor and Employment committed to extend help to pandemic affected drivers and operators in starting up their own small businesses.
The FEJODAP, in a news statement, told the House Committee on Metro Manila Development Chairman Rep. Manny Lopez of Manila that the assistance for thousands of drivers and operators will come from the Integrated Livelihood Program and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).
The program provides access to livelihood and entrepreneurship programs to poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers with the aim increasing their income to help and keep them above poverty. In times of crisis, DILEEP provides immediate stop-gap measures in the form of emergency employment to replace income loss and strengthen resilience of workers affected by shocks against risks and contingencies.
Moreover, the FEJODAP also told Lopez that drivers and operators also have the option to avail of other skills training with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for those who opt to continue with the modernization program or consider other employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the group commended Lopez for helping public-utility jeepney drivers and operators.
FEJODAP National President Ricardo Rebaño lauded Lopez after the lawmaker assisted the transport workers with LTFRB to air their queries and requests, which LTFRB Chairman, Atty. Martin B. Delgra III, immediately acted upon.
Last May 26, 2021, FEJODAP welcomed the LTFRB’s response in providing the requested list of permitted routes and the clarifications on the industry consolidation of individual franchise operators.
Rebaño said the LTFRB assured his group that they remain to be sensitive in considering the plight of the stakeholders, especially during this time of pandemic.
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