DOLE DCFO Chief Erlinda G. Mamitag informs the media that DOLE and the City Government of Davao have already plot measures to address the effect of the implementation of the new Davao transport system.

Davao City – “We are currently in coordination with the Local Government of Davao City as regards intervention for the operators and drivers that will be affected by the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) of Davao City.”, said Chief Erlinda G. Mamitag of DOLE Davao City Field Office when asked by the media on DOLE’s support to the transport sector that will be affected by the project.

Chief Mamitag said that officials from DOLE and the City Government have been conducting series of meetings and that one of the topics discussed and prioritized is the submission of a project proposal by the City Government to the Department of Labor and Employment to address the impending phasing out of the jeepneys brought about by the implementation of Davao integrated bus system.

“Affected operators and drivers likewise, can form associations and submit livelihood proposals to DOLE. Our agency is extending grant under our DILP or DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.”, Chief Mamitag said.

The High Priority Bus System (HPBS) that will be implemented in 2020 to 2023  is part of the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program which aims to establish a modern and comfortable transportation for the riding public. The P18.6 billion High Priority Bus System (HPBS) is already approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board in 2019. (By Eduardo P. Monreal, LCO-Designate, DOLE XI)