Jeepney drivers across the Philippines embarked on a three-day strike on Monday, April 29, 2024, to express their disapproval of government plans to phase out the iconic and prevalent public transport vehicles in the country. The strike, which concluded on May 1, was prompted by government initiatives mandating jeepney operators to organize into cooperatives or corporations by the end of April to continue operations legally.
In response to the strike, which coincided with a period of record-breaking temperatures in various parts of the Philippines, the Department of Education ordered a shift to online classes for all public schools on April 29 and 30. The dual challenges of transportation disruptions and extreme heat necessitated adjustments in daily routines, with the heatwave anticipated to persist until mid-May.
The administration under President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has been advocating for a modernization program that entails removing older jeepneys from service to enhance urban transportation efficiency. The government stated that beginning May 1, jeepneys that have not complied with the new organizational requirements will be subject to apprehension and barred from operating on the streets.
However, this initiative has faced resistance from some jeepney drivers and operators, who perceive the modernization efforts as a threat to their livelihoods and a cultural erasure. The recent strike is not an isolated incident; similar protests have transpired in recent months as drivers and operators rally against the changes.
Jeepneys, known for their vibrant designs and symbolic representation of Philippine culture, have been a popular mode of transport since World War II, with approximately 160,000 transitional jeepneys currently in operation. However, they have also been criticized for contributing to road accidents due to some drivers’ reckless behaviors, particularly in congested areas like Manila. The strike and subsequent modernization could significantly impact urban mobility and affect the travel plans of both locals and tourists, potentially steering visitors towards alternative forms of transportation or impacting their overall experience in the Philippines.
