Environmental Concerns and Social Injustice: The Dilemma of the Jeepney Phaseout in the Philippines
Jeepneys have been a staple of Philippine travel for well over 70 years, renowned for their vibrant displays and tight cabins. But in recent times, the national administration has been pushing to phase out classic jeepneys in preference to modern, ecologically friendly variants. Although this could be seen as a progression for the country's system of transportation, it has spurred a lot of dissent and anxiety in the public - especially among the less privileged who necessitate these cars for everyday commuting.
[Image Source : pixabay]
he Philippine governments major mission with endeavor isto decrease air pollution and support ecofriendly transport. As Department of Transportation (DOTr) emphasized, the traditional jeepneys are a noteworthy cause of the nation air contamination or pollution emitting huge amounts of particulate matter and Carbon Monoxide. To cope with this the authorities started the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in 2017.
The aim was to switch out the existing jeepneys with newer ecofriendly alternatives.
[Image Source : pixabay]
The implementation of the PUVMP is far from ideal, particularly for the needy. Modern jeepneys can cost up to 2 million pesos, and, for the majority of small-scale jeepney holders, this is simply not practical. The government proposed offering financial help via a loan program, which only puts the destitute in more detriments, because they must bear all the debt. Again, the loan scheme has stringent demands, making it hard for operators to meet the prerequisites.
The introduction of the PUVMP has caused the displacement of thousands of jeepney drivers and operators who were reliant on their income from jeepney transport. With the already alarming rate of unemployment in the country, the phaseout will only widen the gap in poverty and social inequality. Despite the government's promise of offering alternative jobs and training programs for the affected jeepney operators and drivers, these have yet to come in fruition, leaving them without any source of income.
[Image Source : pixabay]
The jeepney phaseout is not only a pressing economic issue, but it also has certain cultural effects. Jeepneys, more than a means of transport, have become an element of Filipino culture and a symbol of Filipino resourcefulness over the years. Many have seen the phaseout as an infringement on Filipino culture and identity, in addition to disregarding the great reliance of millions of Filipinos on jeepneys in order to go to work and school, or to run errands.
The PUVMP does not consider the necessity or preference of the commuters, who were used to the benefits of the traditional jeepneys. The modern jeepney models, although larger and more spacious, have limited routes and schedules, thus causing troubles for commuters in arriving into their destination on time. This, in combination to the already high costs of living and the COVID-19 pandemic, becomes part of the daily struggle of the Filipino public.
[Image Source : pixabay]
The projected phaseout policy for jeepneys in the Philippines is an ill-conceived action that can have more detrimental consequences than beneficial results. The desired outcome of the authorities is to make a sustainable transport system, however it should not be done by impoverishing the citizens and wiping out Filipino culture. Rather than quickly moving towards phasing out jeepneys, the government should pay attention to uplifting the already existing system of transport with better infrastructure and services, together with stricter regulations, so that the people, mainly those falling in the low-income class, can commute in an effortless fashion.