The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board XI (LTFRB XI) has extended until the end of this month the deadline of application for the Tsuper Iskolar Program.
This followed the clamor of Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers and operators who still have yet to avail of the scholarship program.
The Tsuper Iskolar program is an initiative of the LTFRB in which PUJ drivers who will probably be affected with the modernization program will be able to avail free training of different courses such as welding, pastry making, and dressmaking provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
LTFRB regional director Atty. Armand Dioso told TIMES via phone interview that TESDA provided 1,205 slots for PUJ driver applicants. Only 525 of which were filled-in from March to October this year.
In the latest count this month, 394 applicants were able to fill out of the 680 available slots.
“I am urging PUJ drivers who will be affected by the modernization program to avail this program,” Dioso said, adding there are still many slots available.
He said some courses could not be started due to lack of applicants.
“The number of authorized population to start a course must be at least 25%. If it still can’t reach 25%, then the program will not start,” Dioso added. The LTFRB director did not give the exact figure.
Dioso also clarified that drivers can enroll their family members should they can’t attend.
“It can be their wife or children (or any) third-degree (relatives) such as cousins, nieces or nephews,” he said.
To avail the program PUJ drivers must present a Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) driver’s academy identification card (ID) issued by the LTFRB. If the family members will be the enrollee, they have to present a proof of relationship to the driver, birth certificate or a marriage certificate if it is the wife who will attend.
They can submit their application forms and requirements at the LFTRB office in Balusong, Matina.
Last Feb. 28, The TESDA issued Circular No. 20, otherwise known as the Implementing Guidelines for the Scholarship Program in relation to the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) flagship program, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), with the aim to capacitate all transportation stakeholders through free skills training and assessment and entrepreneurship training, as an address to the effect in the social and economic impacts that the PUVMP may bring.
