Graphics by Karen Espanol
Traditional jeepneys have always been an essential part of the Philippines regarding culture and convenience. According to Escalona (2017), these public utility vehicles (PUVs) date way back after World War II to solve the transportation issue post-war. Since then, they have been an essential part of Filipino culture because jeeps are unique to Filipinos, and other countries do not have them. Therefore we, as Filipinos, should love and appreciate our traditional jeeps.
Even during contemporary times, jeepneys are relevant to the heart of Filipinos. It is a source of livelihood for our jeepney drivers, and jeeps make commuting less difficult in different aspects. Instead of paying hundreds of pesos for a taxi or a Grab car, jeepneys travel a specific route for a minimum affordable price of twelve (12) pesos. With jeeps becoming convenient to our culture; and both our drivers and riders, why remove them from existence?
The government is phasing traditional jeepneys out because they believe in replacing them with more modernized vehicles. At first, it seems like a good idea because they have better quality than our usual jeeps; however, various problems will arise with this "upgrade".
First and most importantly, the drivers pay for the vehicles themselves because the government will not provide for them. They are already struggling from low income as the fare from jeepney trips is low, and the gas prices are consistently increasing. If they were to pay for their modernized jeeps, the drivers may end up drowning in debt or put themselves in an even harder financial place. Speaking of jeepney fares, it would also be difficult for commuters because the currently affordable rates would skyrocket.
In light of the strong disagreement with the jeepney drivers against this change, they set a seven-day transport strike from March 6 to March 12. It means that not a single jeepney will travel their usual routes, hoping the government realizes how important the traditional jeepneys are to us Filipinos. The commuters, and the Filipino folk in general, also expressed their support for this strike even though it would be hard for them.
The government, on the other hand, was not pleased with this reaction. The head of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Vice President Sarah Duterte called the strike "communist-inspired and pointless." Furthermore, she also mentioned that this would hinder the students' education and the teachers' role to guide and teach. (Sarao, 2023)
However, wouldn't the modern jeep be the one to hinder the education of the young instead? How will our learners get to school if our drivers cannot drive because of the lack of funds for the new jeep? There are other commute options like trains or buses, but what if those weren't as accessible to everyone as jeeps? Even the hearts of the young wholly support this transport strike because the drivers are protecting their livelihood. Therefore, we must not support the jeepney phaseout at all costs; and show our love to our jeepneys, especially our drivers.
𝙍𝙀𝙁𝙀𝙍𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙀:
Escalona, K. (2017, September 11). How the Jeepney Became a Filipino National Symbol. Retrieved March 7, 2023, from Culture Trip website: https://theculturetrip.com/.../how-the-jeepney-became-a.../
Sarao, Z. (2023, March). Sara Duterte calls week-long transport strike “communist-inspired, pointless.” Retrieved March 10, 2023, from INQUIRER.net website: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/.../sara-duterte-tags-week...
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