Here’s good news for jeepney drivers in Makati.
The city of Makati has initially hired 27 jeepney drivers who lost their means of livelihood to the pandemic for the city's Mobile Learning Hub project.
Mayor Abigail "Abby" Binay said they need the drivers for the implementation of their Mobile Learning Hub Project in October.
“Jeepney drivers in the city who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic will be our partners in running the Makati Mobile Learning Hub Project. Their jeepneys will be outfitted to transport books and other learning materials, teachers and librarians, and laptops with internet connection,” Mayor Binay said.
The city government has been coordinating with the Makati Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (MJODA) for the rental of around 27 jeepneys that will be dispatched to the barangays when classes begin in October, Binay said.
“We believe this is a great opportunity for residents whose main livelihood as jeepney drivers has been abruptly cut short due to the pandemic. They, too, like the displaced teachers and tutors we have hired to operate the learning hubs, will have regular income to support their families,” she said.
“We are glad that we have come up with this project that addresses multiple issues simultaneously. Not only will it help students and their parents cope with the new ‘blended learning’ approach in education, but will also provide much-needed employment to Makatizens,” Binay added.
The Makati Education Department said the city will be paying P2,000 as daily jeepney rental.
“Our initial target is 27 drivers hired. The number may still increase because the jeepney federation is proposing to do a rotation among its member-drivers. We are looking at 100 drivers per week eventually,” Rita Riddle, program director of the Makati Education Department, said.
Around 54 teachers will be hired for the implementation of the project.
The Makati Mobile Learning Hub Project is a learning platform focused on ensuring that the youth of Makati will continue learning in spite of the risks and restrictions of the pandemic.
According to the city government, jeepneys outfitted as mobile learning hubs will be deployed throughout the city to help students and their parents, particularly those who lack gadgets and other learning tools.
"Teachers, assistant teachers or tutors will be on hand to orient parents who have difficulty in guiding and teaching their children using self-directed modules."
In preparation for the opening of classes during the pandemic, Makati City will provide at least 2,500 brand new laptops to its public school teachers by October this year, in time for World Teacher’s Day.
The city will likewise give each public school student a learner’s package containing an On-The-Go (OTG) flash drive with learning modules, printed modules, and two washable face masks.
Both teachers and students will receive free five-hour daily internet load.