A group of young developers has created a 3D video game that explores the impact of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) on jeepney drivers and their families.
Developed by Iyanla Bagasan, Eriond De Jesus, Marcus Florentino, MJ Lenomta, and Charlotte Timbreza under the mentorship of thesis adviser Ian Christian Sevilla, the game titled Para Po! provides an interactive look at the daily struggles of jeepney drivers navigating urban traffic while facing the looming phaseout of traditional jeepneys.
The PUVMP, which aims to replace jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) over 15 years old, has drawn criticism from operators and drivers who cite financial difficulties in meeting the program’s requirements. The developers acknowledged the initiative’s benefits but pointed out concerns over its implementation, particularly the cost and timeline.
“Jeepneys have long been part of the daily transport system, livelihood, and cultural identity of Filipinos,” the team stated. “Yet drivers, who earn around P400 a day, are now being asked to purchase a P2.8 million minibus and join a cooperative, which could take 19 years to pay off.”
They added that the short transition period forces many drivers to align with large corporations, leaving independent operators at a disadvantage
The game, developed under De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Game Design and Development Program, combines strategy and simulation to encourage players to experience the complexities of the phaseout firsthand. It was produced using Unreal Engine for Windows PC.
Para Po! was recognized as the Best Capstone project of the group’s graduating batch and won the Best Innovation Award at the Philippine Creative Awards: Game On 2024. It was also nominated for Game of the Year and Best Desktop/Console Game in the school category.