The PUV Modernization program—an ambitious program designed to replace the country’s dilapidated, polluted, and unsafe jeepneys is in trouble.
The Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP), an association whose members craft the modern jeepney bodies, says that budgets coming from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Landbank to fund the program have been exhausted. ABMAP is calling on the government to secure additional funding to help the “stalled” program move forward.
Edgar Manuel, ABMAP Executive Director, expressed deep concern over the funding shortfall. “The PUV Modernization Program is a transformative project that addresses multiple national issues—public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. It is disheartening to hear that funding has run dry, especially when we are on the brink of realizing its immense benefits. We urge the government to act swiftly and allocate the necessary resources to keep this program alive,” Manuel said.
The program, which aims to replace aging jeepneys with modern, Euro 4-compliant vehicles, has already shown its potential to create jobs and stimulate economic activity. ABMAP estimates that the program directly supports over 10,000 employees across vehicle producers and parts manufacturers, including its member companies that build vehicle bodies, chassis, and components. The ripple effect extends to an additional 20,000 workers in the auto parts manufacturing sector, which supplies essential components.
“Modern PUVs are not just about improving public transport; they are about creating opportunities for local manufacturers and workers,” Manuel emphasized. “With locally produced vehicles adding 50 percent local value, every modern PUV supports our domestic supply chain, reduces reliance on imported parts, and strengthens the economy. This program is a lifeline for the local automotive industry, which has been struggling for years.”
The economic impact of the PUV Modernization Program is staggering. ABMAP estimates that producing at least 100 modern jeepneys locally could generate up to P 125 billion in economic activity, including investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, and related services.
Modern PUVs are designed to be more fuel-efficient, significantly reducing fuel consumption and lowering operating costs for drivers and operators. This shift not only eases financial burdens but also aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
However, the program’s progress is now at risk due to the lack of funding. Manuel stressed that delays in implementation will have far-reaching consequences. “Every day we delay, we compromise the safety of millions of commuters, the health of our environment, and the livelihoods of thousands of workers. The government must step in and ensure that this program continues without interruption.”
ABMAP is calling on the government to explore alternative funding mechanisms, including partnerships with private financial institutions and international development agencies. “This program is too important to fail,” Manuel said. “We need a collective effort to secure the necessary funding and keep the momentum going. The future of our public transport system and the local automotive industry depends on it.”
“This is not just about replacing old vehicles; it’s about building a better future for our country,” Manuel concluded. “We urge the government to act now and ensure that this groundbreaking project continues to move forward. Together, we can create a safer, cleaner, and more efficient public transport system while revitalizing our local automotive industry.”
Why would this government waste money on anything related to public transport modernization, specially if it came from the past admin? Also, why waste money on matters that would give citizens convenience when they the select elite can just pocket taxpayers' money to buy themselves Bugattis, McLarens and Porsches for their mistresses? Kayo naman.
ReplyDeleteJustice for the poor.
ReplyDeleteThe ironic thing is that, you did that meme haha. Whenever problems or drama they always put that meme
ReplyDeleteAsians always have sense of humor, sorry Europe.
DeleteOk narin, so far more than half na ata modern and E jeepney sa roads. Malaking bawas narin sa air and noise pollution
ReplyDeleteSource?
DeleteWhile the stated objectives of the PUJ modernization are quite noble, its implementation leaves a lot to be desired. Why do the implementers of this program favor the more expensive China made mini buses and ignores the modern locally made but proven traditional jeepneys like Francisco Motors, Sarao, Malaguenas and other local suppliers which are cheaper by about P1M give or take? Should the Filipino taxpayers again shoulder additional loans just to finance this ill conceived program with Cooperatives' decision makers even being offered cash to buy the China units at the expense of the operators and drivers who will have to pay for everything. If Landbank and DBP can hardly afford to finance the program this early, how much more can you expect the operators and coops to pay the rest of the P3M+ price per unit. Jeepneys are for the masses and the government must prioritize the locally made jeepneys that are much cheaper and are symbolic of our cultural heritage.
ReplyDeleteWhy the bias on China made buses? Also, going around the Metro I see more new PUJs na Hino and Hyundai over any Chinese brand. What is stu pid are the local manufacturers trying to pass off their old, discrepit and road unworthy design as "modern"...
DeleteGuess what- these Franciscos and Saraos still use the same suspension system, still have NO safety restraint system, still have an obscenely large turning radius, still have poor driver visibility, and will still use old cheap bargain bin parts. The only difference? China electric motors and batteries. LOL
What is stupid are those made in China PUJs copying the design of the traditional jeepneys and trying to pass off their clumsy and poor imitations as made in the Philippines which they know are of better quality and proven to last decades unlike those China made that are already broken after just a few years.
Deletewell, the funds from the DBP are now being enjoyed by some politicians. No wonder it dried up.
ReplyDeleteOh well, what do you expect this is the Phils. nothing works. And maybe, it's for the better as the other half can divert to electrification. If the goal is to have cleaner air going electric is much better. And, ev tech now is much more developed and cheaper than before when the program started
ReplyDeleteAir pollution is now so bad that kids are always coughing. And all of us are affected unless you live in an air-conditioned room 24x7. DENR should apprehend violators especially jeepneys, buses and trucks who ply the roads at night.
ReplyDeleteit doesn't solved the problem but make it worsen, very expensive fare, not safe also, expensive to operate so its really a waste of money. I prefer UV express why they waste money for mini bus when some roads are narrow that a Jeep and Van is more convenient to traverse those routes.
ReplyDeleteKung Yung problem ay engine lang to comply for euro4 engine, di ba puwede na engine na lang ang palitan? And ayusin Yung dilapidated na body nung jeep?
ReplyDeleteMagandang suhestyon po yan.
DeleteNatutuwa kayo dahil nagkaroon ng trabaho ang iba sa pag-create ng modern jeep (kuno, pero bus ang isura), samantalang pinapatay nyo naman ang sector ng mga mahihirap na jeeney drivers., inilulubog ng gobyerno sa utang sa pagpupumilit na ituloy yung PUV modernization na yan.
ReplyDeleteTama po kayo. Kung gusto talaga ng modernisasyon, huwag gawing mandatory o sapilitan at huwag na padaanin sa kooperatiba na binibigyan pa ng suhol ang mga namamahala at chairman para lang bumili ng modern mini buses (hindi naman dyip itsura) kaya lalong tumataas presyo ng unit. Yung may gusto lang at di naman lahat ng ruta ay kayang bayaran ang mahigit na P40k+ kada buwan na amortisasyon sa loob ng 7 taon. Ang dyip ay pangmasa at di rin kaya ng mga mananakay ang magiging pamasahe sapagkat aminin natin 3rd world pa tayo at napakaliit ng sahod ng mga manggagawa at baon ng estudyante na karaniwang pinagsisilbihan ng mga tradisyonal na dyipni. Hindi na kikita ang mga operator at driver at mapupunta na lang pambayad sa unit, mga suhol at pangmaintenance lalo na mahirap makahanap ng mga pyesa.
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