JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Surviving the Shift: Lived Experience of Jeepney
Drivers Amidst Vehicle Modernization Policies in
Mabalacat City
A research presented to the faculty teachers of
Senior High School Department
Jose C. Feliciano College Foundatiom, INC.
Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion
Humanities and Social Sciences
Submitted By:
Atilarez, Maria Jakimi Chariz Y.
Acuyan, Antonella Regina P.
Alvarado, Mary Rose T.
Bustillo, Arianne Mae M.
Cabatu, Trisha E.
Dela Cruz, Alexis L.
Dizon, Tyron Jay G.
Maglalang, Elizer Joylee G.
Submitted to:
Crosel P. David
3I’s Teacher
March, 2025
CHAPTER I
Surviving the Shift: The Lived Experience of Jeepney Drivers Amidst Vehicle Modernization Policies in Mabalacat City
JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. 2
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Jeepneys are one of the most common modes of transportation found in the
Philippines. It is known for its traditional creative designs, which date back to the 1940s
and were adapted from American military vehicles during World War II (Roces, 2023).
Jeepneys plays a crucial role in the daily lives of millions of Filipinos, with jeepneys
serving as one of the most convenient and affordable transport vehicles.
The Department of Transportation (DoTr) introduced a new program called the
Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) through Department Order No.
2017-011 under the Duterte government in 2017. The PUVMP introduced a
modernization program on the jeepneys to be modernized and be more environmentally
friendly. Millions of Filipinos disagree with this decision, on March 8, 2023 several
jeepney drivers protested to the government’s decision to phase out or modernize the
old jeeps (Beltran, 2023). This program aims to replace older, polluting jeepneys with
safer and more ecofriendly vehicles. Despite the government’s good intention with this
modernization, the implementation is deplorable, the program mandates that jeepney
drivers purchase a e-jeepney that cost over 2 million pesos or 43,000 US dollars, the
LTFRB will only shoulder the 10% of the loan, which means the jeepney drivers who
only relies on a small income needs to come up with 2 million pesos to purchase a
modernized jeepney (Lago, 2024),
Magramo (2024), says that there are 200,000 jeepney units are on the verge of
being phase-out and may potentially harm the drivers’ primary source of income. LTFRB
Chairman Teofilo E. Guadiz III told congressmen in January, 2025 about 38,000 jeepney
drivers could lose their jobs once the modernization program takes effect. Jeepney
drivers were worried and frightened about the modernization policies, because some of
them only relies on their income to feed their families. This whole modernization has
become a nightmare for the jeepney drivers.
This study aims to explore the lived experience of the jeepney drivers in
Mabalacat City amidst modernization policies. The researchers will conduct a qualitative
study to investigate their struggles, their perspectives, opinions and the impact of the
policy on their emotional and mental state and to dig deeper about their lived experience
about the modernization policy, by documenting their experience. This research seeks
to provide insights into the socioeconomic impact of the modernization program and
contribute to discussions on how policies can be more inclusive and sustainable for the
stakeholders.
Surviving the Shift: The Lived Experience of Jeepney Drivers Amidst Vehicle Modernization Policies in Mabalacat City
JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. 3
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to explore the lived experiences of the jeepney drivers during the
implementation of vehicle modernization policies, focusing on its economic, operational
and emotional impact. Accordingly, this study seeks to address the following questions:
1. What are the opinions of jeepney drivers regarding to the implementation of vehicle
modernization policy?
2. What struggles have the jeepney drivers experienced amidst the modernization
transition?
3. How will they manage their job transition as low-income workers to be able to sustain
their livelihood?
4. What aspect of their holistic health did this implementation approach affected the
most?
5. What are the strategies the jeepney drivers have developed to cope with the
challenges they face?
Scope and Delimitation
This study examines the personal experiences of jeepney drivers during the
implementation of vehicle modernization policies in Mabalacat City. Utilizing a
phenomenological approach, this study seeks to comprehend how these policies affect
their livelihoods, their mental/emotional and financial stability, and perspectives on
modernization policies. The focus will be on their struggles, coping strategies, and how
they adjusted to the shift brought about by modernization. The time frame covered is
from March (date), 2025 to April (date) 2025. Jeepney drivers within Mabalacat City who
are directly affected by the modernization is the population. Purposive sampling will be
employed, selecting participants following accordingly to a specific criterion.
A semi-structured interview guide will be used as an instrument and data will be
collected through recorded and transcribed interview employing thematic analysis, which
allows researchers to identify recurring patterns and themes of a qualitative data (Braun
& Clarke, 2006). Member checking will be carried out, returning the findings to
participants to verify validity and accuracy of their responses, which ensures credibility
(Creswell & Poth, 2018). The researchers will strictly adhere to the ethical research
principles including integrity, obtaining an informed consent, maintaining confidentiality
and anonymity, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the participants while
conducting the study.
The study will be carried out solely to jeepney drivers that are affected by
modernization policies within Mabalacat City, and does not include the opinions and
Surviving the Shift: The Lived Experience of Jeepney Drivers Amidst Vehicle Modernization Policies in Mabalacat City
JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. 4
insights of commuters, transport operators, and policymakers. This study does not
provide a statistical generalizations but rather an in-depth and contextual perspectives of
jeepney drivers, as qualitative research emphasizes depth rather than numerical
generalization (Denzin & Lincoln, 2018). The data are limited to the research locale
(Mabalacat City), the selected participants, and the covered time frame—therefore, the
findings may not be applicable to the experiences of all jeepney drivers in the country.
Significance of the Study
The PUVMP has made a big impact on the transportation and it became a
debatable topic. This study seeks to explore the lived experience of the jeepney drivers
in Mabalacat City that were affected by the modernization policy. This study will be
beneficial to the following:
The jeepney drivers and operators. This study will serve as the voice of the jeepney
drivers to voice out their experiences, struggles and their opinions about the
modernization policy.
The policy makers and governments. This study will help them to know and
understand
the effect of the policy that they introduced. This study will also help them to know what
is
effective for their people.
The commuters. This study will raise awareness for the commuters to be aware of
what’s
happening behind the wheels.
The students. This study will help the students be aware of what’s happening outside
the
school
The future researchers. This study will serve as the guide and basic foundation for the
future researchers. It will also serve as their reference for their study.
Theoretical Framework
The Social Adaptation Theory (2022) by Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad arose from
the need to understand how individuals and groups adapt in dynamic and often
uncertain social environments. In this theory, it was highlighted how important to
understand how individuals adapt through changes. The theory is based on the
phenomenon that rapid social changes, such as cultural shifts, technological
advancements, and economic restructuring, can cause stress and difficulties for
individuals who struggle to adapt. On the part of the drivers, they are the individuals who
are experiencing hard ship on adjusting and adapting to the modernization policies. It
Surviving the Shift: The Lived Experience of Jeepney Drivers Amidst Vehicle Modernization Policies in Mabalacat City
JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. 5
poses challenges to the traditional jeepney drivers, such as income instability and job
loss, highlighting the need for a balanced and mutually beneficial method for all
stakeholders (Mendoza, 2023). Some drivers feel left out by government policies that
prioritize modernization without properly taking seriously the opinions of drivers or
listening to their concerns. Acording to Savilla et al. (2024) in general, drivers disagreed
with the program's implementation and opposed its execution.
The program still poses difficulties and challenges, including the cost and effort it
will take them to transition to modernized jeepneys. Jeepney drivers have their own
perceptions and concerns, which shows the program's complexity (Palatino, 2024). In
connecting the theory, findings would be able to understand the resilience of jeepney
drivers in transitioning and adjusting by means of acquiring new skills, finding alternative
livelihoods, or restructuring the modernization in alignment with their collective efforts.
Social Exclusion Theory (2000) by Amartya Sen highlights how a certain group of
people or individuals are systematically marginalized or at disadvantaged, preventing
them from accessing essential resources and opportunities—may it be in political,
economic, and social convenience and participation. According to Sen, exclusion is not
just all about poverty, it can occur about denied on one's own freedom and rights, limited
access to financial resources, and gradual fading cultural identities. In line with the
study, it explores the experiences of jeepney drivers during the implementation of
vehicle modernization, and shows the struggles to afford the costly modernized units.
These "modernized" jeepneys could cost upwards of ₱2,000,000. This modernization
can lead to drivers increasing their fare rates to cover the costs (Balagtas, 2023). Their
limited rights in political discussion highlights already the economic exclusion, as
decisions affects their livelihood, usually made without their direct input. As stated by
Mendoza (2021), the government's modernization project for jeepneys has two main
"blindsides," according to information gathered from drivers and operators as well as
data: the high cost of each new jeepney and the potential ripple effect of raising jeepney
fares to offset the cost of buying new jeepney units.
Without the support coming from government or any alternative livelihood
measures, their primary source of income would be at risk, leading to financial instability
and social displacement. An estimated 200,000 jeepney units are on the verge of being
phase-out and may potentially harm the drivers' primary source of income (Magramo,
2024). By applying the theory's framework, the study would be able examine how
jeepney drivers navigate these challenges and struggles caused by modernization
policies which may unintentionally push them to the margins of the society and explore
solutions for a more inclusive way of transition.
Definition of Terms
Here are some definitions of terms that you will encounter in this research to
help you understand it easier.
Surviving the Shift: The Lived Experience of Jeepney Drivers Amidst Vehicle Modernization Policies in Mabalacat City
JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. 6
Jeepney a traditional transport vehicle in the Philippines that came from the scraps of
U.S world war II jeeps. Jeepneys are known for their colorful and flamboyant style
(Jeepney, 2025. Definitions.net). The study aims to address issues and experiences on
the modernization of jeepneys. This will help to understand the relevance of jeepney to
the study.
Jeepney Drivers are individuals that navigate jeeps along the road of the Philippines
(Ranis, R. A. et al. 2021). As the study aims to understand the circumstances of
jeepney drivers this will help to understand the sole role of drivers.
Jeepney Modernization The definition of jeepney modernization according to Land
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Resolution 2013, dated
January 11, 2013, to mean a “strict 15-year age limit on public-utility vehicles, from the
date of manufacture of the vehicle instead of the date of initial registration with the Land
Transportation Office [LTO]", (Analyzing the Jeepney Phaseout and Its Pros and Cons,
2022). As the study aims to address issues from jeepney modernization this will help to
understand the definition of jeepney modernization.
Policy are regulations, laws, guidelines and procedures that people are obliged to follow
whether it came from the government or other institutions (Definition of Policy., 2024).
The study aims to ascertain the Jeepney modernization and its effects on jeepney
drivers, this will help to understand jeepney modernization policies.
Amidst are often used interchangeably, meaning 'in the middle of' or 'surrounded by'
(Grammarly, 2025). In the context of jeepney drivers, "amidst" refers to their experiences
and struggles in the middle of or during the ongoing implementation of vehicle
modernization policies.
Lived Experience Personal knowledge about the world gained through direct, first-hand
involvement in everyday events rather than through representations constructed by
other people. It may also refer to knowledge of people gained from direct face-to-face
interaction rather than through a technological medium. (Oxford Reference, 2025).
Many jeepney drivers face financial difficulties due to the high cost of upgrading to
modernized vehicles. These new vehicles, often electric or with more advanced
technology, can be expensive. Without sufficient government support or financial aid,
drivers may struggle to afford the new units.
Stakeholders The individuals or groups who have an interest or concern in a particular
issue, project, or organization (Oxford, 2025). As this study examines the influence of
social media on social awareness, stakeholders include students, educators, and
policymakers who are directly or indirectly affected by the findings.
Holistic health is an approach to life that considers multidimensional aspects of
wellness. It encourages individuals to recognize the whole person: physical, mental,
emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual (Western Connecticut State University,
Surviving the Shift: The Lived Experience of Jeepney Drivers Amidst Vehicle Modernization Policies in Mabalacat City
JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. 7
2025). Jeepney drivers is important in the Philippine transportation system, providing
daily commute services to millions of Filipinos. However, their occupation poses
significant health risk holistic approach is important for jeepney drivers, addressing their
physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
E-jeepneys are electric vehicles designed based on diesel jeepneys. They are a much
more environmentally friendly electric-powered version of diesel jeepneys. (World Electr.
Veh. J. 2024). Some jeepney drivers appreciate e-jeepneys cause of its environmental
benefit that it gives, producing zero emissions and contribute to a cleaner environment.
But E-jeepneys are typically more expensive than a normal jeepney, which built a barrier
for drivers who may not have the financial resources to purchase or maintain the new
vehicles,
Transport operators are the experts in charge of quickly and efficiently handling the
transport of goods using different means of transport. Their work simplifies the logistics
of moving goods by taking care of all the administrative documentation required for
import and export operations. (Fernandez Aedo, 2023). Jeepney drivers are skilled when
it comes to navigation going to narrow streets, crowded markets, and congested
highways. Jeepney drivers have excellent remembering when it comes to routes it often
have extensive knowledge of their routes, including shortcuts, traffic patterns, and road
conditions.
Surviving the Shift: The Lived Experience of Jeepney Drivers Amidst Vehicle Modernization Policies in Mabalacat City
