Antique Jeepney Operators Support PUV Modernization, Skip Nationwide Strike

Antique, Philippines – The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (FEJODA) in Antique has expressed its support for the government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, choosing not to participate in the three-day nationwide transport strike that began Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, FEJODA chairman Ludovico Ramos, in an interview, stated their commitment to the modernization plan, emphasizing the desire to provide better services to commuters. FEJODA, with approximately 90 members and 105 public utility jeepney (PUJ) units, has formed a transport cooperative registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). The cooperative is currently seeking a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to procure modern, environmentally safe vehicles.

Mary Jane Moscoso, manager of the FEJODA Transport Cooperative, mentioned they are awaiting the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) from the Antique provincial government. The LPTRP will determine the number of public utilities needed before applying for the loan. Established in 2017, the FEJODA cooperative also runs a gasoline station and other livelihood projects, providing additional income to its members.

The community, including Rulo Vicente, a job order employee at the provincial capital, expressed relief that FEJODA did not join the strike. Vicente, who commutes daily from San Remigio to San Jose de Buenavista, noted the importance of public transport for those without private vehicles. The decision by FEJODA is seen as a positive step towards the full implementation of the transport modernization plan in the province.