Senatoriable Luis ‘Manong Chavit’ Singson vowed to make the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) more inclusive and accessible to Filipinos. Speaking at the Western Visayas Transport Summit 2024 in Iloilo City on Friday, Singson introduced initiatives to address the financial and operational challenges faced by jeepney operators, including the launch of E-Jeeps and a zero-interest loan program with no downpayment requirements.
With decades of public service as mayor and governor of Ilocos Sur, Singson has a proven track record of leading transformative local projects. “I am content with the progress in my province, but I want to see this kind of development reach every corner of the Philippines,” he shared, highlighting his vision for modernizing the public transportation system nationwide.
Singson acknowledged the financial hurdles many drivers face in adopting the PUVMP. “When I saw the challenges faced by drivers, I knew there had to be a better way. Many could not afford the loans or had limited access to banking services,” he said.
To overcome these barriers, Singson pledged to personally fund the transition through zero-interest loans, ensuring operators can modernize their fleets without financial strain.
Modernizing the Fleet with E-Jeeps
Central to Singson’s vision is the deployment of state-of-the-art E-Jeeps, featuring air conditioning and powered by solar charging stations to reduce operational costs. These vehicles align with the government’s goal of reducing carbon emissions while promoting energy efficiency.
In addition, Singson has negotiated discounted electricity rates at solar charging stations to make operations more economical for jeepney operators. “Modernizing the fleet is not only about better vehicles; it’s about contributing to a greener, more sustainable future,” he emphasized.
The summit also featured insights from Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, who lauded Iloilo City’s leadership in PUV modernization.
“Iloilo is the first fully compliant local government unit (LGU) in the country when it comes to PUV modernization,” Guadiz noted, underscoring the city’s role as a model for other regions.
He emphasized the importance of retaining existing cooperatives rather than forming new ones, ensuring a smoother transition for operators. “We are focusing on optimizing cooperative operations, such as increasing passenger capacity per trip, to improve overall efficiency,” he explained.
Guadiz also highlighted the financial support extended to the sector, including a ₱1.6 billion budget allocated for modernizing motorized PUVs in Iloilo. “This funding will benefit around 360,000 operators in the region, helping alleviate the financial burden on drivers,” he stated.
Peace and Stability as Foundations for Progress
Singson stressed that peace and stability are essential for the success of modernization initiatives. Drawing from his tenure as President Emeritus of the Mayors League, he remarked, “Without peace and stability, we cannot move forward with projects like modernization.
“I have always believed that true progress starts locally, but it must be supported at the national level. My goal is to continue building on the foundation of peace and stability that former President Duterte established, ensuring that initiatives like the PUV Modernization Program are successful across the country,” he concluded
