Public utility vehicle drivers and operators in Bohol and the rest of Central Visayas starting Friday this week may avail of the “Tsuper Iskolar,” a program intended to help those affected by the government’s PUV modernization program by offering scholarship grants.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will launch the initiative’s Central Visayas segment in Cebu City on Friday.
TESDA Bohol noted that the free training will also likely be offered in the province following the launching.
“Pwede sila [taga Bohol], pwede whole Region VII. Pero ipangutana pa kung pwede ba maka dawat ang TESDA sa ilang probinsya,” said Elnar.
Participants will be given a daily allowance of P350 during the training period which could last to up to 35 days, said Rey Elnar, assistant director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 7, an attached agency of the DOTR.
The allowance will be allocated for the meals and transportation of the “scholar drivers.”
“Pang-encourage pod na nila para mo attend. Libre na, naa pa g’yuy allowance,” Elnar said.
“Tsuper Iskolar” is a training program partnership of the DOTr and TESDA for the Stakeholders Support Mechanism of the PUV Modernization program of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Modernization program
DOTr has allocated some P350 million which was downloaded to TESDA for the implementation of the program for a period of one year. It will continue, though, until there are people who are willing to undergo the training.
DOTr Secretary Arturo Tugade, meanwhile, said they are not limiting the number of program beneficiaries but the only constraint is the budget.
“We are open to all – open to all who are willing and we are open to all who are willing to partner with us,” Tugade said.
The program, he said, includes skills development on mechanics, disciplined driving, speed limiter installation, fleet management, among others, that would prepare them for the PUV modernization.
The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is a flagship initiative of the Duterte administration which envisions a restructured, modern, well-managed and environmentally sustainable transport sector. It also envisions drivers and operators to have stable, sufficient and dignified livelihoods while commuters get to their destinations quickly, safely and comfortably.
Among the major components of the PUVMP is fleet modernization. New vehicle standards are being developed based on extensive consultations with involved government agencies, jeepney associations and local and international manufacturers. (AD with reports from PNA)