CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently awarded P11.12 million worth of livelihood packages to 378 transport workers affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in Isabela.

The program is in collaboration with the Department of Transportation, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Office of Transportation Cooperative. 

DOLE Provincial Director Evelyn Yango said the assistance aims to help transport workers who got displaced in the PUVMP  transition to other sources of livelihood.

Each received P29,444 worth of livelihood packages composed of equipment and materials for ambulant vending, food retail, meat processing, and other small business ventures and services.

The beneficiaries were from the towns of Jones, Benito Soliven, Burgos, San Agustin, San Mateo, Tumauini, Cabatuan, Gamu, Roxas, San Manuel, Naguilian, Echague, Reina Mercedes, San Mariano, Quirino, Sto. Tomas, Cordon, Cabagan, Alicia, Luna, Mallig, Quezon, San Isidro, and from the cities of Ilagan, Cauayan, and Santiago. 

“This livelihood package is a strategic measure to ensure that the affected transport workers can establish stable income sources following the implementation of the PUV modernization program,” Yango said.

She also said the subsidies offer financial relief and alternative employment opportunities to transport workers who are struggling with the repercussions of government program implementations and economic shifts.  

Meanwhile, Arnel Arabis, one of the jeepney operators and a beneficiary from Benito Soliven, expressed his gratitude to DOLE for providing them with the livelihood package for his catering services. 

“Thank you for your assistance and concern for jeepney drivers like us who are affected by the PUV modernization program, we will use this livelihood package wisely and sustainably,” Arabis said. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)