Nanawagan ang social action arm ng Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) na Caritas Philippines sa pamahalaan para sa isang makatarungan at inklusibong pamamaraan ng pagpapatupad ng Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Sa isang pahayag na inulat ng CBCP nitong Lunes, Enero 8, hinikayat ng pangulo ng Caritas PH na si Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo ang pamahalaang isaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng maliliit na jeepney operator at driver habang isinasagawa raw nila ang kanilang pollution reduction efforts.
“We welcome the government’s commitment to improve public transportation,” ani Bishop Bagaforo.
“However, we cannot condone a modernization process that disregards the human cost.”
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“We urge the government to ensure a just transition that protects the livelihoods of jeepney operators and drivers, who are the backbone of our transportation system, while also laying the groundwork for a more efficient, interconnected, and cost-effective mass transport network that benefits all,” dagdag pa niya.
Binigyang-diin din ng Kidapawan bishop ang pangangailangan ng “fair compensation” at “livelihood support” para sa maaapektuhang mga tsuper, kabilang na raw ang access para sa retraining programs at financial assistance.
“These families are not just statistics; they are our neighbors, our brothers and sisters. We cannot let them fall through the cracks during this transition,” ani Bishop Bagaforo.
Inihayag din ng Caritas PH president na magandang mag-invest sa locally-developed, renewable energy-powered vehicles.
“We have brilliant Filipino engineers and entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions for clean transportation. “Let’s support them and create a future where our public transport is not only efficient but also sustainable,” anang obispo.
Dagdag pa niya, mahalaga raw na ma-preserve ang “heritage” at “creative spirit” ng bansa sa gitna ng modernisasyon.
“[Jeepneys] embody our rich cultural tapestry,” ani Bishop Bagaforo.
“We must find solutions that honor our heritage and showcase Filipino ingenuity, while simultaneously building a future-oriented public transport system that addresses the needs of a growing population,” saad pa niya.
