By Debbie E. Gasingan
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Modern transport service entities in the Cordillera are now processing their application to avail of the monthly financial subsidy under the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP).
Atty. Mariane Reina Dumpayan of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Cordillera (LTFRB-CAR) said that under the program, each qualified modern public utility vehicle (PUV) will receive a monthly subsidy of P20,000.00 to settle monthly amortization to ensure continued operation.
“Ito, makatutulong ito sa mga nagmamay-ari at driver ng modernized jeepneys upang ang amortized loans nila ay matulungan sila doon,” Dumpayan said in an interview with PTV Cordillera.
The assistance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to continue measures to cushion commuters, drivers, and transport operators from the impact of high fuel prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Funded from an allocation managed by LTFRB, the financial assistance will be for three months or until the funds have been fully utilized.
Aside from this program, the LTFRB has been in constant coordination with different government offices to provide possible support to PUV drivers and operators affected by high oil prices.
Dumpayan mentioned that they have partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program, the Department of Energy for the fuel discount, and the Department of Labor and Employment for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.
Meanwhile, Dumpayan clarified that the implementation of the special fare rate for PUVs in the Cordillera is only voluntary.
“Hindi siya dapat pinupuwersa sa mga komyuter kasi meron pa naman ‘yung fare matrix na ibinaba ng LTFRB Central Office,” Dumpayan emphasized.
She said they had consultations with the concerned sectors for the implementation of fare adjustment in the region. The proposals for the fare adjustment will be submitted to the LTFRB Central Office for consideration.
“Ipapasa sa LTFRB office para mas maging permanente ang solusyon para matulungan ang ating mga drivers at operators,” she said.
The temporary fare increase took effect last Sept. 18, where the minimum fare in traditional jeepneys for the first four kilometers is P14 for regular passengers and P11.25 for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, with an additional P2.000 for every succeeding kilometer. Some drivers are allegedly collecting a P15 minimum fare.
As to modern jeepneys, the minimum fare is ₱17 for the first four kilometers and an additional ₱2.40 to ₱2.80 per succeeding kilometer. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)
