PUJ drivers, operators urged to apply for HPBS social packages

The City Government of Davao urged qualified operators and jeepney drivers affected by the implementation of the High Priority Bus System, who haven’t applied yet, to submit their application form to avail of the social packages while it is still early.

Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) supervising commissioner for Mindanao Norman Baloro, during the Sakay Ta Bai program over the Davao City Disaster Radio, reiterated his call to all affected workers of the transport modernization program to visit their office and submit their applications.

“Palihog na muadto kita sa tama nga ahensya. Ang ahensya nga adtoan would be the HPBS office, which is located at Door 7, Magsaysay Park. Dili mo maulaw nga muadto didto, mangutana. Magpakabana, be informed sa mga programa, of course, naa man pod tay mga social media platforms (Please visit the HPBS office located at Door 7, Magsaysay Park. Do not hesitate to visit us and inquire. Stay informed and updated of all the HPBS programs through our different social media platforms),” Baloro said.

He admitted that there is still hesitancy by some individuals belonging to the transport sector, saying that the project may not be possible since the buses aren’t running on the road yet. However, he emphasized that the project remains on track, which is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2023.

“Bisan pag wala pa nila nakita ang buses, they should apply as early as now,” the commissioner said.

By applying to the SDP, the qualified beneficiaries will avail of the financial and non-financial assistance prepared by the government. All they need to do is present the necessary documents to support their eligibility to benefit from the aid.

Baloro encouraged operators and drivers to stay informed about the latest updates on the program by following their official Facebook page, watching the Byaheng Do30 Program and listening to the Sakay Ta Bai over the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR). 

While there may be apprehensions from other individuals and negative comments about the programs, Baloro said that the PUJ drivers should decide themselves and visit their office should they have concerns rather than be influenced by unverified information from their fellow PUJ drivers.

“Muabot man jud ang panahon nga naa (matuman na) kay man tay balaod, naa man tay city ordinance. Mao nang, samtang dili pata December nga rush hour, mag-apply nata para naa natay ready nga available nga pangalan didto sa atoang system (Time will come that the program will be fully implemented because it is already mandated by the city ordinance. While it is still early, apply now),” he added.

He further said that those who submitted their applications should expect a home visitation for verification and asked them to answer the phone calls coming from the enumerators and verifiers.

The HPBS is one of the city’s programs that aims to address the worsening traffic situation in the city and seeks to provide safe, convenient, sustainable, and efficient public transportation for all. This will also replace all the jeepneys plying the city with modern buses equipped with advanced technology features. 

For inquiries and more details, contact the HPBS office: GLOBE 09774883083, TM 09161023238, TNT 09701205838.CIO