Sorsogon - To ease the impact of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) on the affected drivers and operators, at least 19 displaced transport workers in Sorsogon received livelihood assistance under the ‘EnTSUPERnuer Program’ of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Transportation on Friday.
The livelihood starter kits awarded to the aptly selected and eligible beneficiaries will form part of their existing livelihood undertakings in which they are skilled and experienced in the fields of food vending, welding, fishing, vulcanizing, carpentry, car washing, auto/motor repair services, and small transport service.
These aforementioned fields are known to be in demand in the Province of Sorsogon and are the most common yet proven source of their daily subsistence. As displaced individuals in the transport industry, these skills turned into livelihood ventures will be able to augment family income and uplift their present economic situation.
Included in the livelihood packages are the equipment, tools, jigs, and personal protective equipment (PPE) that will enable their existing livelihood undertakings to be feasible and sustainable. In addition, to nurture the livelihood assistance and to complete its social preparation, the beneficiaries also underwent orientation and lectures on productivity, simple business management, basic occupational safety and health, simple bookkeeping, and financial literacy to aid them in the proper management of their livelihood projects. Further, every beneficiary will also be enrolled in GSIS micro insurance.
During the awarding, DILP Focal Mark Francis Llaneta together with Livelihood Dev’t Specialists Mark Angelo Duana and Edna J. Gestole reiterated the implementing guidelines of the DOLE - Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and emphasized the commitment of the beneficiaries to the regular monthly submission of financial reports to determine the impact and the development of the project.
Mr. Ronilo L. Espedido, 58, happily expressed his gratitude upon receipt of the complete package of assistance for vulcanizing business.
“Sa mga taga-DOLESorsogon na nagtiyaga, naghatag sin oras asin pasensiya para mahatagan kami ng gamit pangkabuhayan, kami kaupod ko ang mga tsuper asin operator kaiba ang saamon pamilya, pinapaabot namon ang saamon udok na pagpapasalamat. Ini na mga gamit saamon, dako dako na tabang nan suporta dahil sa kakulangan namun ng kapital asin sa epekto sadi saamon na modernization program na lain pa namun kaya na iadaptar, makaayuda nanggayod ini sa uruadlaw namun na pagbuhay,” Espedido added.
DOLE Sorsogon Provincial Head Mary Jane L. Rolda, in her message, further encouraged the recipient beneficiaries to take proper care of the equipment provided to them so that it would last and will sustain their chosen livelihood.
“Government programs are always here and available as long as you are qualified beneficiaries and understand that we will be serving you with utmost dedication depending on the status in life and needs,” Rolda added.
The EnTSUPERneur program is a big help for workers in the transport sector that is affected by the reform in the public land transport industry. It is jointly implemented by the DOTr and the DOLE thru a Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001 Series of 2022 to provide alternative sources of income for public transport drivers and operators affected by the PUV modernization program.
The regulatory reform in the transport industry calls for the phasing out of jeepneys, buses and other Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) that are at least 15 years old and replacing them with newer, safer, more comfortable, and more environmentally friendly units. However, despite the positive impacts and intentions of the program, there are still numerous jeepney drivers and operators who cannot afford the modernized vehicles.
With a report from: MARK ANGELO H. DUANA
For Release:
MA. ZENAIDA A. ANGARA-CAMPITA, CESO III
Regional Director
