Statement of the Problem

This research determines A Quantitative Explorationary STEM Student`s Support

of the Jeepney Modernization Program. Specifically, it seeks to answer the

following questions:

Why should Jeepney modernization be implemented?

Does this modernized jeepney help the commuters?

Significance of the Study

Long since the end of World War II, jeepneys have always been the symbol of Filipino

creativity and the main source of public transport, which made them the “Undisputed King of

the Road”; however, those jeepneys now today become a symbol of decay due to the

constant prevention of the modernization of those jeepney and the lack of the maintenance

of the law (Stuart). In this era where vehicles have become more fuel efficient, safer, more

comfortable, Andaero dynamic, the jeepneys has remained with its heavy frame, worn-out

parts, inefficient fuel consumption, smoke-belching and severely lacking safety features.

The jeepney became a risk for the people’s safety and the environment’s ecosystem and

biota, thus the government took action and implemented the modernization of the jeepneys.

However, most of the jeepney operators and drivers did not comply with the PUV

modernization program, and there are only few who complied with the program. The PUV

modernization program is a program launched by the Department of Transportation in 2017,

with the goal of making the country’s public transportation system more efficient and

environmentally friendly by phasing-out jeepneys and other Public Utility Vehicles that are at
least 15 years old and older. In addition, according to Loreben Tuguero (2019), the

government drops the bid to modernize all jeepneys by 2020, and instead allow jeepneys,

which are older than 15 years old, to still operate under condition of passing the standards

set for the assessment of its emissions, safety, and engine worthiness and doing the

assessment per year. Jeepney operators and drivers should comply to the PUV

modernization program of the government since the modern jeepneys will be safer and

more comfortable for the passengers, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. One of

the biggest pros of jeepney modernization is that it can provide the country with more jobs.

The jeepney modernization potentially raises the need for skilled drivers and operators.

With newer models needed, there is also a higher demand for workers and laborers in

vehicle manufacturing. Compared with traditional jeepney, E-jeepney is more cost-effective;

has 87% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; does not produce smog; reduces air

pollution and its associated health effects; and is more preferred by the majority of the riding

public due to its safety, environment-friendly, and comfortable ride.