The Makati City government announced on Wednesday it would hire jobless jeepney drivers for its Mobile Learning Hub project this October.
“Jeepney drivers in the city who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic will be our partners in running the Makati Mobile Learning Hub Project. Their jeepneys will be outfitted to transport books and other learning materials, teachers and librarians, and laptops with internet connection,” said Mayor Abigail Binay.
She said the city had been coordinating with the Makati Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (MJODA) for the rental of around 27 jeepneys that would be deployed to the barangays when classes start in October.
“We believe this is a great opportunity for residents whose main livelihood as jeepney drivers has been abruptly cut short due to the pandemic. They, too, like the displaced teachers and tutors we have hired to operate the learning hubs, will have regular income to support their families,” BInay said.
“We are glad that we have come up with this project that addresses multiple issues simultaneously. Not only will it help students and their parents cope with the new ‘blended learning’ approach in education, but will also provide much-needed employment to Makatizens,” she added.
According to Rita Riddle, Program Director of the Makati Education Department, the city would be paying P2,000 as daily rental for each jeepney.
“Our initial target is 27 drivers hired. The number may still increase because the jeepney federation is proposing to do a rotation among its member-drivers. We are looking at 100 drivers per week eventually,” Riddle said.