๐๐ก๐๐๐ฎ๐จ ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ผ๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐๐ฉ๐๐จ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฃ๐๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐ฉ ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐ก ๐ผ๐จ๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ก๐ฎ
The Jeepney Transport Association of Bakakeng Norte General Assembly was held recently, gathering jeepney operators and drivers from the Bakakeng, Camp 7, Crystal Cave, and Kitma routes. This significant meeting aimed to elect new officers for the association and provide members with a platform to discuss the challenges currently faced by the jeepney transport sector.
Gladys Vergara, Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chair and congressional candidate, attended the assembly demonstrating her commitment to supporting the local transport community. She also led the formal oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected and re-elected officers, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to serving their fellow jeepney operators and drivers.
In her address, Gladys Vergara shared her plans to support the transport sector if elected. She emphasized that one of her primary agenda would be securing financial assistance and implementing support programs for the jeepney modernization initiative under the Subsidy Act: Jeepney Modernization Program. The key components of this initiative include:
โข ๐ฟ๐ค๐ฌ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐ผ๐จ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐๐: Direct financial aid to help drivers and operators cover the initial downpayment for modern jeepneys.
โข ๐๐ค๐๐ฃ ๐๐ช๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐๐จ: Financial backing to assist jeepney operators in securing loans with better terms and lower interest rates.
โข Government -๐๐ช๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ค๐ง๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ก๐ฎ ๐ผ๐ข๐ค๐ง๐ฉ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ: A partial subsidy for monthly payments on modernized jeepneys, reducing the financial burden on drivers and operators.
โข ๐๐ฆ๐ช๐๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐๐ช๐ฃ๐: A dedicated fund aimed at easing the financial transition for drivers upgrading to new jeepney models.
Gladys Vergara stressed that she would actively advocate for these programs to ensure a smoother, less financially taxing transition for jeepney drivers under the modernization initiative.
In addition to her advocacy for modernization, Vergara highlighted the ๐ฝ๐๐พ ๐๐๐จ๐ค๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค๐ช๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ค๐๐ง๐๐ข. The transport sector is represented on the Baguio Tourism Council Board by William Bumayet. Wilson Bumay-et Jr., who leads the BTC Tourism G9 Transportation Sector and the current Baguio Jeepney Federation President, plays a key role in promoting the BTC Gasolina Voucher (GV Perks Card) Program. This program provides various advantages, including discounts of up to PhP 3.00 per liter of diesel or gasoline from partner gasoline stations. Additionally, cardholders can benefit from discounts on oil change services and select products such as lubricants and maintenance essentials.
BTC Chair Gladys Vergara emphasized that the program highlights the Councilโs commitment to supporting the livelihoods of transport workers, who are crucial to Baguioโs tourism and daily mobility.
โSupporting our drivers and operators is a top priority. With initiatives like the BTC Gasolina Voucher, we aim to help alleviate some of their operational costs while strengthening our partnerships with local businesses and gasoline stations,โ Vergara stated. (PR)
ย โGladys Vergara โ Glad to serve you!โ ย is a heartfelt commitment to the residents and visitors of Baguio City. It reflects a spirit of positivity, dedication, and support for the community, driving meaningful initiatives that enhance both the city’s heritage and its sustainable future.
