Drivers in Sorsogon who lost their jobs because of the jeepney modernization program received tricycle sidecars and other livelihood assistance.

The implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program has left 38 jeepney drivers in Sorsogon unemployed as they transition from traditional jeepneys to modernized ones. 

Since August 2023, they have been beneficiaries of the "Entsuperneur Program" launched by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The program aims to offer opportunities for those affected by the modernization program.

"This is P30,000, pero in a form [of] tools [and] equipment. Itong 38 beneficiaries po na ito, 'yung ibang hiningi [nila] sa atin dito ay 'yung tricycle sidecars. They have already 'yung motor, ang kailangan [nalang] nila ay 'yung sidecar, so iyon 'yung prinovide natin sa kanila," Mary Jane Rolda, Provincial Head of DOLE Sorsogon, said.

Jhon Alvin Careño, the chairman of Bulan TRANSCO, hopes for the government's continued support during the transition.

"Minsan hindi sapat [ang sweldo namin] kasi nasa minimum wage lang kami as kooperatiba. Minsan, maraming member ng family, kulang sa kanila ang daily income nila," he said.