OPINION: #NoToJeepneyPhaseOut

While there are arguments for modernizing the transportation system for efficiency and environmental sustainability, the #NoToJeepneyPhaseOut movement remains debatable, for it is not just about preserving a mode of transportation but also about safeguarding a cultural icon and the livelihoods of the countless Filipinos who depend on it. For the majority of Filipino people, jeepneys are more than just vehicles; they are symbols of Filipino ingenuity, resourcefulness, and resilience. They embody the spirit of community and shared experiences, serving as both a means of transportation and a social hub where people share their stories, laughter, express their frustrations about their daily lives, and sometimes even share foods.

This matter personally frustrates me. Because if the House of Representatives or the government, which has great power to really make a change, want to show concern about the environment, why remove Jeepney when they can decrease the pollution caused by unregistered factories or limit the production of non-biodegradable products? Why kill our culture when they can easily terminate other things that're causing massive negative effects on environmental sustainability?

It is extremely crucial to recognize the deep-rooted significance of jeepneys in Filipino culture. They are not merely a means of getting from point A to point B, but they connect people to their communities and preserve traditions passed down through generations.

Furthermore, the phased-out jeepneys would affect the livelihoods of jeepney drivers and operators, many of whom have been relying on this profession for their families' sustenance for decades. Displacing them without proper alternatives in place could lead to financial difficulties and social unrest and mitigate the existing inequalities in society.

In my conclusion, while there may be a need for transportation modernization, there is still a need to approach it with sensitivity and inclusivity, involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process. This matter is not just about sustaining the environmental state but also maintaining and preserving our culture as Filipinos.

They say change is the only thing that is constant in this world, and I do believe in that phrase, but sometimes change can drag us down to forget what makes us who we are. Changing things that represent us Filipinos can be a step down from forgetting who we are and what makes us, us. In my perspective, it is extremely crucial to find a balance between progress and heritage to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.

(via Lucel Tuyor | Pulse)

(Graphics by Rosalie Castolome | Pulse)