“What a country chooses to save is what a country chooses to say about itself”
– Mollie Beattie
In the archipelago of the Philippines, the jeepney stands as more than just a mode of transportation. It’s a symbol of Filipino ingenuity, culture, and a strong communal spirit. However, recent developments have sparked a significant movement: #NoToJeepneyPhaseout. This growing protest against the government’s planned phaseout of traditional jeepneys has garnered attention nationwide and beyond.
Introduced in the aftermath of World War II, jeepneys were originally repurpose military vehicles that became the backbone of public transport in the Philippines. With their colorful designs, often adorned with local art, and their ability to navigate both urban and rural terrains, jeepneys quickly became ingrained in Filipino culture.
These unique vehicles are not only a practical solution for transportation but also a reflection of the country’s creativity and resilience. They are a communal space, where people from various walks of life share their journeys, stories, and experiences.
The debate over the future of jeepneys has intensified with the government’s proposal to phase them out in favor of modern, environmentally-friendly alternatives. The plan is part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which aims to replace aging jeepneys with newer, electric models. This initiative is motivated by concerns over pollution and safety, with the hope of creating a more efficient and eco-friendly public transport system.
While the intention behind the program is to address pressing environmental and safety issues, it has been met with considerable resistance from jeepney drivers, operators, and many ordinary Filipinos.
[Jeepneys] are a communal space, where people from various walks of life share their journeys, stories, and experiences.
Planned transport strikes by traditional jeepney drivers happen throughout the country showing the inevitable struggle that many Filipinos will face if traditional jeepneys are no longer part of the road.
My personal experience of walking for 4.5 km while carrying a laptop, books, and folders from an 8-hour shift work was a journey of trudging the Philippine humidity and trying to limbo the visceral traffic. If by any chance, I am able to get into a modern jeepney, I would be subjected to a sardine-packed place, paying double what I usually pay in traditional jeepneys while standing up and hurling my heavy bags.
It is a brutal reality that normal Filipinos must face. The government cannot even fix the enduring issue of traffic, which they list as one of the causes of traditional jeepneys; now, they would impose a new problem.
For many drivers and operators, jeepneys are not just vehicles but their only way to make ends meet. The cost of transitioning to modern vehicles is excessively high for small-scale operators who have invested their savings in their current jeepneys. The phase-out threatens their financial stability and that of their families.
Another pressing issue is that in many rural areas, modern public transport options are limited. The phaseout of jeepneys, which are well-suited to navigating less developed regions, could lead to a reduction in public transport accessibility for communities.
For many drivers and operators, jeepneys are not just vehicles but their only way to make ends meet.
Not only that, jeepneys are more than just transportation; they are a part of Filipino heritage. The proposed phaseout raises concerns about losing a cultural icon that has been an integral part of Filipino life for decades. The new vehicles, while modern and efficient, lack the cultural significance and community connection that traditional jeepneys provide. It is baffling how the government is eager to showcase the uniqueness of jeepneys on any international scale but be quick to replace them.
The #NoToJeepneyPhaseout movement has gained momentum through social media, community rallies, and public forums. Advocates argue for a more balanced approach to modernization that incorporates the benefits of new technology while preserving the cultural and economic aspects of the traditional jeepney system. Supporters of the movement have called for a more gradual transition, and improved support for jeepney operators, and commuters as well.
The #NoToJeepneyPhaseout movement highlights the complex intersection of modernization, culture, and economics. As the Philippines navigates the challenges of upgrading its public transport system, finding a solution that respects both progress and tradition will be crucial. Balancing environmental goals with the preservation of cultural heritage and economic stability is no easy task, but it is essential for creating a future that honors the past while embracing the future.
In the coming months, it will be important for policymakers to engage with all stakeholders and consider the diverse perspectives surrounding this issue. The outcome of this debate will not only shape the future of transportation in the Philippines but also reflect the nation’s broader values and priorities.
Cover Photo by Rainier Ridao on Unsplash
