The jeepney, a ubiquitous form of public transportation in the Philippines, is an iconic symbol of Filipino culture. For many decades, jeepneys have been the primary mode of transportation for millions of Filipinos, providing a cheap fare. However, in recent year the Philippine government has implemented a controversial plan to phase out jeepneys in favor of more modern and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Is that true?
Government aims to replace old and dilapidated public transport vehicles with newer models that are safer, more efficient, and less polluting. Under the program, jeepneys that are more than 15 years old will be banned from the roads, and operators will be required to replace them with Euro 4-compliant vehicles, which are equipped with modern safety features such as air conditioning, GPS, and CCTV.
The PUVMP argue that the phaseout is necessary to improve the safety and comfort of public transport in the Philippines. Many jeepneys currently in use are poorly maintained and lack basic safety features, putting passengers and other road users at risk. Additionally, the high levels of pollution emitted by older jeepneys contribute significantly to the country's air quality problems, which have serious health consequences for Filipinos.
However, the phaseout will have a significant impact on the livelihoods of jeepney drivers and operators, who will be forced to purchase expensive new vehicles or lose their source of income. The cost of a new jeepney is over a million which is a significant financial burden for many operators. Moreover, some argue that the phaseout will be detrimental to the cultural heritage of the Philippines, as the jeepney is an iconic symbol of Filipino identity.
The phaseout has been met with protests from jeepney drivers and operators, who argue that the government should instead focus on improving existing jeepneys rather than replacing them altogether.
(I agree to this)
But sadly the government has pushed ahead with the phaseout, with some areas already implementing the ban on older jeepneys.
In conclusion, it is good to move towards modern, environmentally friendly vehicles in the Philippines, but the government must also take into account the impact on the livelihoods of jeepney drivers and operators. Ultimately, a balance must be struck between modernization and preserving the cultural heritage of the Philippines, while also ensuring that public transport is safe, efficient, and accessible for all Filipinos.
Disclaimer:This is just my OPINION kung AGAINST ka SMILE ka nalang ..馃槉
