The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Monday, January 8, said it would offer training and certification to drivers, operators, and their family members affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“[W]e understand that there are individuals whose livelihood have been or will be affected by this initiative in one way or another. In line with this, TESDA has been implementing its Tsuper Iskolar Scholarship Program with the DOTr since 2019,” the agency said in its statement.

TESDA added that under the Tsuper Iskolar program, P300 million was transferred to its agency in 2023 which would fund the scholarship.

“[D]rivers, operators and their family members who have been displaced or otherwise affected by the PUVMP are entitled to free tech-voc skills training, and assessment and certification. They shall also receive a training allowance of Php 350/day (for a maximum of 35 days),” it added.

The agency added that the PUVMP would address the public transport issues with the public gaining advantage “from an improved and strengthened transportation system.”

The Department of Transportation earlier said non-consolidated jeepneys would still be allowed to ply routes until January 31 after the program’s deadline ended on the same day last month.

Meanwhile, 1-Rider Party-list estimated that commuters would suffer from the P30 to P40 minimum fare hike following the use of imported vehicles for the modernization program. The fare increase would be needed for drivers and operators to cover the cost of the million-dollar modern jeepneys.