CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Background of the study
Millions of Filipino commuters are still using their own public transportation
known as "Jeepney" for its affordability and resourcefulness. Jeepneys are the
most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines and a cultural icon
for the Filipino.
According to Cruz(2023), jeepneys have been used as a mode of transportation in
the Philippines since the 1950s. After World War II, American troops left several
Willys Jeep in the country, which Filipinos modified and turned into bus-like
vehicles that can transport passengers.
Jeepney Drivers have come a long journey to do their job as a being a public
transportation everywhere. However, in 2017, the Public Utilitiy Vehicle
Modernization Program (PUVMP) was filed by the Department of Transportation
(DOTr) in hopes of making a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, but
many operators and drivers expressed that they could not afford the new
vehicles. Some drivers and operators have reported facing financial losses, being
burdened by debt, and having their livelihoods taken over.
Thus, this qualitative research studies to explore the challenges, coping
mechanisms, and the lived experiences of Senior Citizen Jeepney Drivers, here in
Zamboanga City and the research will be done Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High
School Stand-Alone Senior High School. Hence, this study documents the lives of
Senior Citizen Jeepney Drivers in this research, to identify their challenges and
coping mechanisms they have for this Practical Research and to draw significant
implementation of this research findings. The purpose of this study is to
investigate the lives of Senior Citizen Jeepney Drivers and to identify their
challengies and coping mechanisms, on how they faced those challenges and
make strategies with it.
RRL
Local Studies
In this modern society, the Filipino population still relies on traditional
forms of public transport, such as jeepneys. In communities all over the
Philippines. The jeepney phase-out is a looming threat that aims to
modernize jeepneys and resolve the issues of the older jeepneys.
However, these "modernized" jeepneys could cost upwards of
₱2,000,000 ($35,700). This modernization can lead to drivers increasing
their fare rates to cover the costs. (Balagtas, 2023). In Davao City,
jeepney drivers were concerned about the city government's plan to
modernize public transportation because their units would phase out,
and they would lose their source of income (Baltazar et al., 2024). As a
result, commuters were left stranded and needed to improve their
ability to attend class or work (Beltran, 2023). The other reason
Jeepneys are now at odds with the future of transportation in the
Philippines is the amount of carbon dioxide they emit from their diesel
engines. The imminence of the loss of their livelihood will seriously
influence their lives (Raskin & Meyer, 2020). According to Güss and
Tuason (2008), around 50% of jeepney drivers struggled financially, 21%
had family issues, and 9% battled personal issues.
According to an article by Ginsberg-Gingras.com(2024), Financial
difficulties mean being unable to pay debts over the short or long term.
Debt complicates financial management and limits purchasing power.
Financial difficulties become a source of stress until all debts are paid.
Jeepney drivers experienced debts, fuel changes and competition
among jeepney drivers. They relied on their income to pay for their
debts. The result presents that most informants are in debt due to
insufficient income, which is heavily influenced by changes in fuel prices
and competition in the transportation industry. This hinders them from
reaching their target income, affecting their ability to sustain their
needs.
Furthermore, Lu(2024) states that modernisation programs are a
government program to modernize public utility vehicles, particularly
traditional jeepneys. The aim of the jeepney modernization program is
to replace traditional jeepneys with safer, more efficient, and eco-
friendly vehicles. Jeepney drivers know that the projected cost for
modernized jeepneys is around 1.2 to 1.3 million pesos. They
emphasized that they were not capable of affording the new
modernized jeepneys as this could lead to unemployment and severe
financial difficulties for them.
On the other hand, Baltazar et al. (2024), This study stated profit
management that drivers have different approaches to maximizing
their profits and meeting their daily quotas. This means that jeepney
drivers know that fuel prices have a noticeable effect on the behaviour
of motorists by encouraging more fuel-efficient driving or driving
slower on high-speed roadways. Because of this, they need to drive
more efficiently to save money on fuel.
Moreover, Capital.com(2024), Income refers to the money earned by
an individual or business through various sources, including wages,
profits, interest, and investments. Some jeepney drivers strongly
disagree with the government's program to modernize jeepneys. It is
argued that setting the minimum wage at Php 500 – Php 600 would not
provide sufficient funds for daily expenses, unlike the earnings from the
previous jeepney system, which ranged from Php 1,500 to Php 3,000
per day with fewer trips. Consequently, the money intended for family
necessities would instead repay loans for the modernized jeepneys.
They emphasized that rather than loaning for the modernization
program, they would seek another source of income to sustain their
daily needs.
Additionally, Joewono & Kubota(2014), define that safety and security
measures evaluate the likelihood that passengers will be involved in an
accident, be it vehicular or otherwise (safety) or become the victim of a
crime (security). Jeepneys drivers opt to do their daily checkups after
their route has been completed or when they come home to make
their units more comfortable and safer for the next day. The vehicle
inspection program suggests that states should uphold a vehicle safety
inspection system to decrease the likelihood of crashes caused by
vehicles with current or potential issues. These checkup routines
ensure the passenger and driver's safety and comfortable travel.
Foreign Studies
In other parts of the world, the jeepney or PUV is known by other
names. Bajaj in India and Songthaew in Thailand serve as the majority
of the PUV in the said country.
According to Anund & Ihlstrom, Zhang et al. (2022), Passenger attitudes
demonstrated that most drivers experience at least one monthly
conflict with passengers, such as when passengers refuse to pay their
fares. In China, disagreements between bus drivers and passengers
commonly arise in specific situations, such as passengers wanting to
alight at undesignated stops, dissatisfaction with the driver's
demeanour, disputes during fare payment, delays in boarding,
congestion at the doors, obstruction of bus routes, and passengers
engaging in behaviours like eating, smoking, or spitting, as well as
littering or causing damage to the interior environment of the vehicle.
Furthermore, David Angrave et al.(2015), Long hours and physical
demands believed that persons employed in jobs demanding long
working hours are at greater risk of physical inactivity than other
workers, primarily because they have less leisure time available to
undertake physical activity. Taxi drivers in the US often work long
hours, sometimes exceeding conventional full-time schedules. Spending
extended periods behind the wheel can lead to physical strain and
fatigue, impacting drivers’ well-being and productivity.
Moreover, an article by Truckups.com(2024) states that traffic
congestion is a serious transportation problem in cities, especially in
India. Such congestion arises in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru
due to narrow lanes, unregulated parking, and a large number of
private vehicles on the road. The daily commutes are harmed by such
congestion, and more air pollution is added as well.
According to an article by Isarsoft.com (2024), Passenger flow refers to
the movement of people through a transportation system, such as an
airport, train station, or bus terminal. Passengers can organise how
they board, ride, and exit public transport to reduce congestion, delays,
and overcrowding. This includes designated stops, clear entry/exit
rules, and digital ticketing to speed up transactions and make the
drivers deal with low stress.
Additionally, Wren & Writer(2024) that employee well-being refers to
the holistic state of an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional
health at work. It encompasses factors like job satisfaction, stress
levels, and work-life balance. This means that all public transports are
ensured to have fair wages, manageable working hours, access to rest
areas, and support for handling stressful or difficult passengers.
Objectives of the study
1. To identify work-related challenges they experience.
2 . To determine the coping mechanism with work related issues.
3. To draw implications to their challenges and their coping mechanisms.
Significance of the study
This research aims to determine the daily challenges and struggles faced by
senior citizen jeepney drivers in Zamboanga City, as well as their strategies for
adaptation. These drivers encounter numerous obstacles, including financial
constraints, debt, fuel expenses for their vehicles, passenger attitudes everyday
living costs, changes in transportation regulations, and competition from modern
transport alternatives. Despite these difficulties, many jeepney drivers continue to
work out of economic necessity. This study seeks to understand their lived
experiences and provide valuable insights into their struggles and resilience.
By conducting in-depth interviews and qualitative analysis, the research will
offer a deeper understanding of the real-life experiences of senior citizen jeepney
drivers, focusing on the challenges they encounter and the coping strategies they
employ. Moreover, this study will benefit the following stakeholders:
Commuters:This study will provide commuters with insights into the everyday
challenges faced by jeepney drivers, fostering a better understanding and
reducing discrimination against them.
Jeepney Drivers: The study will serve as a platform for jeepney drivers to voice
their opinions and share the challenges they face.
Transport Organizations: The findings will offer guidance on flexible work setups
and financial support for elderly drivers, as well as recommendations for adjusting
transportation regulations.
Academics and Researchers: The study will contribute to future research on
informal labor sectors and provide valuable data for academic purposes.
Scope and delimitation
This study aims to explore the lived experiences of senior citizen jeepney
drivers in Zamboanga City, with a particular emphasis on the challenges they face
and the coping strategies they employ. Specifically, the research will examine
financial difficulties, passenger attitudes, and the impact of modernization
programs on their daily lives.
The scope of this study is limited to actively working jeepney drivers aged
60 and above in various barangays of Zamboanga City, namely Santa Maria,
Pasonanca, San Roque, and Tumaga. It will exclude other aging public transport
drivers, such as tricycle or taxi drivers, as well as retired jeepney drivers.
Additionally, the study will be conducted within the month of February.
Definition of terms
Lived Experience :The personal accounts and firsthand narratives of senior citizen
jeepney drivers regarding their daily work experiences, the challenges they face,
and the coping strategies they employ.
Senior Citizen : Refers to individuals aged 60 and above who continue to work as
jeepney drivers despite their advanced age.
Jeepney Driver : A person who operates a public utility jeepney as a means of
livelihood, responsible for transporting passengers along designated routes.
Challenges :The difficulties encountered by senior citizen jeepney drivers,
including financial constraints, debt, fuel expenses for their vehicles, everyday
living costs, passenger attitudes, competition from modern transport systems,
and government regulations affecting their livelihood.
Adaptation Strategies :The methods and approaches used by senior citizen
jeepney drivers to cope with work-related challenges.
CHAPTER 2
Methodology
Research design
This research will utilize a phenomenological research design. A
phenomenological research design is a qualitative method that seeks to
understand and articulate the lived experiences of individuals who have
encountered a specific phenomenon (Creswell, 2013). It concentrates on how
individuals perceive, interpret, and derive meaning from their experiences,
placing an emphasis on their emotions, thoughts, and the significance they
attribute to those experiences.
Locale of the study
The research will be conducted in various barangays of Zamboanga City,
namely San Roque, Santa Maria, Pasonanca, and Tumaga. These locations are
known for being common waiting areas for jeepneys as they pick up and drop off
passengers.
Participants
The participants of this study are senior citizens who are actively employed as
jeepney drivers in various barangays of Zamboanga City. Five participants will be
selected for this study, the researchers will ensure that there are at least one or
two participants from each of the following barangays: Tumaga, Santa. Maria,
Pasonanca, and San Roque to ensure diverse representation. Providing valuable
insights into their lived experiences, challenges, and adaptation strategies.
Methods of Data Collection
This study will utilize a non-probability sampling design, specifically a
convenience sampling method, which means that this study wil be select
participants based on their availability. The design was chosen to gather insights
from the participants for better understanding of their challenges and
experiences of Senior Citizen Jeepney Drivers.
The following guide questions are:
1. How many years have you been driving?
2. Could you elaborate on the common challenges you encounter as a jeepney
driver?
3. In what ways do financial difficulties affect your daily life and work?
4. Can you share any significant experiences with passengers, whether positive or
negative?
5. What are your views on the government's jeepney modernization program?
6. What coping mechanisms have you employed to overcome the various
problems you have faced?
7. What types of support or resources would you like to see to help improve the
working conditions for jeepney drivers?
Data Gathering Procedure
Before starting the study, respondents will be given a letter of informed consent
to confirm their voluntary participation. Once they agree, interviews will be
scheduled at a time that is most convenient for them. The interviews will be audio
recorded using a mobile phone. Finally, the collected data will be analyzed and
presented as a narrative.
Verification and Validity
Before the conduct of the study, the interview guide questions will
be presented to the panelists for evaluation to verify that the line of
questions complies with the objective of the study.
Ethical Considerations
Senior citizen information, including personal details and health status, will be
kept confidential, with data securely stored and identifying information replaced
with unique codes in reports. Audio or video recordings will be used only with
participant consent and destroyed after the research, with no identifying
information shared without explicit consent.
Senior citizens will receive thorough explanations of the research goals,
methods, risks, and rights, with consent forms in plain English and verbal
explanations if necessary. Anonymity will be ensured by substituting personal
data with unique IDs and anonymizing quotes or narratives.
Additional safety measures will be taken to ensure the comfort and
understanding of senior citizens throughout the research procedure, with a focus
on consent and respect for their autonomy and dignity.
