ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

College of Science
Mathematics and Physics Department

STS Term Paper Part 2

Social Impact of the STS Issue

Criteria for Grading:

I. Background of the STS Issue (20%) Total Grade:
II. Social Impact of the STS Issue (20%)
IIIa. Action Plan (20%)
IIIb. Plan for Life-long Learning (20%)
IIIc. Insights on the Collaborative Work (20%)

1 TTH 10:00-11:30 AM 10/18/2023

Group No. SCHEDULE Date

C.N. NAME COURSE SIGNATURE

1 Baretto, Jackiesed E. BS EE
2 Bernardo, Joshus Rafael BS Custom
Administration
3 Avellano, Karla BS Nursing

4 Alfaro, Freiya Jaline BS Architecture UNCOOPERATI

VE
5 Alig, Nico BS Marketing
Management

Dr. Sunshine Cassandra C. Merciales

Instructor

]
ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

Social Impact of the STS Issue

STS - 07052
Environmental Sustainability
The Public Utility of Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) intends to shift to a newer
environmentally friendly jeepney that requires at least a Euro 4-compliant engine or an electric engine
to lessen greenhouse gas emissions, toxic fumes, and other forms of air pollution.

STATISTICS

Design deficiencies in traditional jeepneys impose environmental costs. Research conducted by the
Blacksmith Institute and Clean Air Asia revealed that jeepneys accounted for approximately 15% of
the particulate matter emissions in Metro Manila. This is primarily attributed to the prevalent use of
surplus or used diesel engines in most public utility vehicles (PUVs), which generate higher emissions
compared to newer engines. Although emissions testing is conducted on PUVs, numerous vehicles are
still granted operating licenses (Mendoza, 2023).

It is statistically indicated that the adoption of modern jeepneys in Metro Manila is rendered to reduce
air pollutant emissions significantly. According to the report of the LTFRB 2015 database, there are
50,073 jeepney units operating in Metro Manila across 497 routes considered to have specific benefits
such as the significant change by the engine of all jeepneys with Modern Euro 4 units is estimated to
reduce the production of CO, NMVOC, SOx, NOx, and PM emissions by approximately 90.2%,
93.6%, 28.6%, 51.2%, and 89.6%, respectively. Likewise, the replacement of all jeepneys with
modern E-jeep units is estimated to reduce NMVOC and PM emissions to insignificant levels while
increasing SOx emissions by nearly five times. It will cut NOx and CO emissions by 62.1% and
87.5%, respectively (Tugano et al., 2021).
Summary of Emission Factors Estimated (g/km)

FEEDBACK
This would be expected to have a positive social impact in terms of reduction of air pollution. This
can lead to a healthier population, with fewer respiratory problems and related health issues among
both passengers and those living in the vicinity of major roadways.

It is shown by the table regarding the potential reduction in mortality and morbidity resulting from air
pollution under this scenario. It shows that 750 air pollution-related deaths and 12,199 air pollution-
related morbidities were prevented. This outcome is primarily attributed to the proximity of the
National Capital Region (NCR) to the Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) routes, where the most significant
decrease in deaths occurred. In terms of health outcomes, the majority of the prevented deaths were
associated with conditions like ischemic heart disease, pneumonia, cerebrovascular diseases, and
tuberculosis (Tugano et al., 2021).
Scenario 1 Euro 4 Jeepneys Avoided Mortality by Disease and Region

Scenario 1 Euro 4 Jeepneys Annual Avoided Morbidity Incidence by Disease and Region

In this particular situation, there is a significant increase in the total number of avoided deaths,
totaling 873, compared to the previous scenario. The avoided cases of morbidities also increased,
totaling 14,293. As expected, these benefits will primarily benefit Metro Manila and its nearby
provinces. It's worth noting that the additional emissions resulting from power plants, which are
associated with the electricity consumed by the e-jeepneys, are only responsible for one additional
death. Although the increased power consumption does lead to significant sulfur dioxide (SOx)
emissions in coal power plant areas, no significant impact on mortality due to SOx has been observed.
The projected death can thus be attributed to the minor rises in particulate matter levels near power
plants (Tugano et al., 2021).
Scenario 2 E-Jeepneys Avoided Mortality by Disease and Region

The transition from Euro 4 engines to electric Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) led to an increase in
power plant emissions beyond the National Capital Region (NCR). Nevertheless, the rise in power
plant-related emissions didn't result in any additional deaths. However, based on the projected
increase in morbidity, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region II, Region 5, and Region
1 experienced added cases of illnesses, as depicted in the table below (Tugano et al., 2021).

Scenario 2 E-Jeepneys Annual Avoided Morbidity Incidence by Disease and Region

Public Road Safety and Comfortable Transport
The objective of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is to transition towards
safer and more comfortable transportation methods, ultimately leading to a decrease in road accidents
and injuries.

STATISTICS

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority's report, there were 12,799 and 8,017 incidences of
road crashes involving PUVs, including jeepneys (old or new), in 2019 and 2020 (Cartojano, 2023).

According to the Department of Transportation, PUJ passengers are 10 times more likely to get into
accidents than private utility cars (Lontoc, 2017). As a result of the poor driving behavior of the
jeepney drivers with their frequent stops and starts, low speeds during cruising, extended periods of
idling while waiting for passengers, frequent lane changes, and high acceleration rates. These vehicles
often vie for passengers and obstruct each other's paths. Some drivers even pick up or drop off
passengers in the middle of the road or at intersections, disrupting the flow of other vehicles and
increasing their fuel consumption and emissions. This behavior is primarily due to the rental-based
system of jeepney operations, where drivers don't receive a fixed salary but rather a share of the day's
earnings after paying for fuel and vehicle rental fees to the operators. As previously mentioned, their
operational characteristics, such as unrestricted passenger pick-up and drop-off and intense
competition among drivers, coupled with their poor driving habits, contribute to traffic congestion.
The situation is further exacerbated by the lax enforcement of traffic rules and regulations (Biona et
al., 2019).

The cause of the accident may be linked to the heavy traffic congestion because of their random
stopping and going to let people on and off. Although they have specific routes to follow, they lack
designated stops, essentially functioning in a manner similar to hop-on-hop-off buses (Westerman,
2018). Some may usually encounter problems with the function of the signaling and lighting system
of jeepneys, which highly increases the safety risks for road drivers and passengers (Biona et al.,
2019).

FEEDBACK

The new jeepneys come with a range of safety features, such as airbags, side doors, speed limiters,
seat belts, CCTV cameras, and others. These features can help prevent accidents and provide evidence
in case of disputes (Sy, 2017).

It also serves for the comfort of passengers as it features seat partitions to prevent passenger
compression, distributed and easy access PUV stop buttons, a rear emergency exit door, digital route
signage, a cashless payment system, a CCTV camera system, and a dashcam. The LPG-fueled
jeepney is also equipped with a ramp designed to assist individuals with disabilities (PWDs) in
boarding the vehicle. It is designed with bars and handrails that enable certain commuters to stand and
hold on safely and comfortably while the vehicle is in motion. This would come as a positive social
impact on the modernization program as this promotes inclusivity and accessibility, allowing a
broader segment of the population to use public transportation in a safe and comfortable way. (Ronda,
2023)
The new models are also compliant with national environmental and safety standards, locally made,
and can accommodate more passengers than the old jeepneys resulting in a positive social impact
(Tugano et al., 2021). With less traffic, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP)
believes that operators would be able to carry more passengers while saving money under the
franchising proposal by pooling services.

Job Displacement and Livelihood Concerns

The implemented program is meant to help not just the jeepney operators and community, but also the
future safety and much-improved environment.

STATISTICS

Transport organizations are considering the phase-out of jeepneys as anti-poor due to the high cost of
new vehicles, potentially leading to job losses and economic impacts on those reliant on the industry.
A new electric jeepney vehicle commonly costs around $50,500 or 2,870,445 Philippine pesos which
is 10 times much expensive than the traditional jeepney. With some operators and drivers expressing
reservations. Many drivers and operators in the Philippines are struggling to afford new cars due to
high costs and potential displacement, despite government initiatives to support this initiative. The
Land Bank of the Philippines offers low-interest loans for new public utility vehicles while the
government supports electric vehicles through the Jeepney Modernization Program and the Electric
Vehicle Roadmap (Cartojano, 2023). The program offers a subsidy of 5.6% with a 6% interest rate,
spread over seven years of repayment (Kusuma & Madina, 2023). Additionally, this financial aid is
insufficient for drivers earning roughly 500 to 600 pesos, which is approximately $11, in two days of
work, making it unlikely that they can afford a more modern vehicle (Westerman, 2018).
FEEDBACK

Overall, the public's response has been conflicted, with some people supporting the initiative and
others voicing complaints and worries. Depending on one's viewpoint and interests, the program may
or may not be anti-poor, and there are good reasons for both sides. Even while updating the jeepney
fleet may come with certain expenditures and difficulties in the near term, the environment, the
economy, and both passengers and drivers stand to gain significantly in the long run (Cartojano, 2023).

Moreover, the government believes that the program's benefits will have a positive social impact in
terms of environmental and economic on commuters, operators, and drivers: commuters will enjoy
improved routes and optimized networks, drivers will experience higher monthly income, better
health, and reduced traffic congestion, while operators will be able to serve more passengers and save
money through service consolidation under the franchising plan.

References
Biona, D. J. B., Meija, A., Tacderas, M., dela Cruz, N., Dematera, K., & Romero, D. J. (2019,
March 9). Alternative Technologies for the Philippines Utility Jeepney. ';;' - YouTube.
Retrieved October 18, 2023, from https://cleanairasia.org/sites/default/files/2021-
05/10.%20Alternative%20Technologies%20for%20the%20Philippines%20Utility%20Jeep
ney%20-%20A%20Cost-
Benefit%20Study.pdf?fbclid=IwAR29fygf353JxHQ4CkTvDLRTXgFWPbWu_7OTuDXPz
GtpYqaihuCBic3Jtsk
Cartojano, A. J. (2023, March 8). Modernizing the Jeepney Fleet in the Philippines: Balancing
Safety, Environmental, and Social Concerns. LinkedIn. Retrieved October 18, 2023, from
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/modernizing-jeepney-fleet-philippines-balancing-safety-
cartojano
Kusuma, N., & Madina, K. (2023, March 9). Is Jeepney Phase-Out a Just Transition to Sustainable
Transport System? Green Network Asia. Retrieved October 18, 2023, from
https://greennetwork.asia/news/is-jeepney-phase-out-a-just-transition-to-sustainable-
transport-system/
Lontoc, A. R. (2017, July 21). Improving Quality of Life Through Inclusive Transportation.
National Center for Transportation Studies. Retrieved October 18, 2023, from
https://ncts.upd.edu.ph/tssp/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/PUVM-
Presentation_TSSPrev1.pdf
Mendoza, T. (2023, May 21). King of the road no more. The GUIDON. Retrieved October 18,
2023, from https://theguidon.com/1112/main/2023/05/king-of-the-road-no-more/
Ronda, R. A. (2023, March 10). DOST pitches 23-seater e-jeepney | Philstar.com. Philippine Star.
Retrieved October 18, 2023, from
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/03/10/2250549/dost-pitches-23-seater-e-jeepney
Sy, K. (2017, October 26). LOOK: Safety features of the modern PUV. Rappler. Retrieved October
18, 2023, from https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/185706-safety-features-
modern-puv-jeepney/
Tugano, J. M., Vallar, P. N., Rativo, W. K., Escubio, E., & Barona, J. (2021, November). Public
Utility Jeepney Modernization Health Impact/Benefit Assessment. Air Quality Management
Section. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://air.emb.gov.ph/wp-
content/uploads/2021/11/Public-Utility-Jeepney-Modernization-Health-Impact.pdf
Westerman, A. (2018, March 7). A Push To Modernize Philippine Transport Threatens The
Beloved Jeepney. NPR. Retrieved October 18, 2023, from
https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2018/03/07/591140541/a-push-to-modernize-
philippine-transport-threatens-the-beloved-jeepney
TURNITIN REPORT