True to its commitment to assist drivers and operators who will be affected by the transport modernization program, the Davao City government rolls out the social compensation packages under the High Priority Bus System (HPBS).
Drivers and operators can now avail of any of the five social compensation packages offered such as educational assistance, skills training, and cash-for-work assistance.
HPBS spokesperson Norman Baloro said each jeepney driver and an operator can choose three among the five packages being offered.
The 5 packages offered are programs of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Health (DOH).
Under the DOLE program, the driver, operator or their designated beneficiaries can avail the one-month cash-for-work program and get paid at least P11,000. This is on top of the financial assistance that will be given to them.
DTI, on the other hand, is offering livelihood kits and capacitate individuals to become entrepreneurs.
TESDA also offers various skills training, the top priority for which is a NC3 level course for bus driving and other automotive related courses.
CHED offers a four-year course education grant of P15,000 per year for four consecutive years for one beneficiary of the driver or operator.
On top of the health assistance that the beneficiary can get from PhilHealth, Lingap, Malasakit Center, DOH will give them an additional P5,000 to P10,000 as medical assistance.
âThese packages can be availed by the operators and drivers themselves or their designated and qualified beneficiaries up to the 4th civil degree of relationship,â Baloro said.
The compensation packages are social safety nets, economic assistance and capacity building opportunities available to eligible jeepney operators and drivers depending on the choices they make, whether to participate in the HPBS, or to exit from the public transportation sector.
Baloro, however, clarified that these social compensation packages will be available not just for those drivers and operators who will be affected by the first phase of the implementation of the HPBS (Toril, Catalunan Grande, and Diversion road routes), but all jeepney drivers and operators can avail it now,â he said. Hence, with this, all those affected are encouraged to coordinate with the HPBS Project Office at the 2nd Floor of Pasalubong Center at Palma Gil St., Davao City during regular government office hours.
The HPBS is one of the cityâs answer to address the worsening traffic situation in the city, and seeks to provide a safe, convenient, sustainable and efficient public transportation for all.
The first phase of the HPBS is rolling out soon and the city allocated P250 million. There will be an estimate of 100 buses to be deployed for Toril; 25 for Catalunan Grande; and, 10 for the Diversion Road routes. CIO
