The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has committed to provide assistance to jeepney drivers, who will be affected by the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
This is according to Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) and spokesperson Irene Dumlao, noting that the department shall extend the much-needed help to affected jeepney drivers subject to the assessment of DSWD social workers.
“The DSWD is ready to provide assistance to those who will be affected. So far, we have not received any information, but of course, if someone approaches us and requests for assistance, it will be responded to immediately by the DSWD,” Dumlao said in Filipino.
Dumlao noted that “this is subject to the assessment of our social workers, so that we can ascertain the appropriate help or interventions that should be given” to the affected PUV drivers.
The DSWD spokesperson said the Department may provide interventions, such as food or cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and livelihood programs under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), provided they are within the criteria of the two programs.
“If they meet the eligibility requirements under our SLP, they are in our LISTAHANAN, or they are among the members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, then they are our priority to be given help under the SLP,” Dumlao added.
The PUVMP seeks to replace old PUVs, including jeepneys, with modern units.