Transport Workers Benefit from DOTr’s ₱450 Million Scholarship Program

So far, 17,284 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators have successfully completed the government’s ₱450 million Tsuper Iskolar Program, said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday.

The program forms part of the efforts under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) aimed at enrolling drivers, operators, and their families at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) while also providing them opportunities to receive free training, skills assessment, and financial support.

“We are happy that many drivers, operators, and their relatives have graduated under the Tsuper Iskolar Program. This program is a big help for our drivers and operators, who can now improve their service or add new means to make a living during the pandemic,” said Arthur Tugade, the transportation secretary.

Around 20,588 beneficiaries have availed of the scholarship. Originally, ₱350 million was reserved for the project but an additional ₱100 million was necessary to be able to accommodate at least 4,000 more scholars.

Beneficiaries can choose various courses and training offered by Tesda. Additionally, transport workers may pass the scholarship to their other relatives. The program requires trainees to undergo a 30 to 35-day course, and they will be allotted ₱350 per day for expenses covering food and transportation.

“The program has a variety of courses for our beneficiaries to choose from — from construction to automotive repair, from agriculture courses to food and beverage-related courses. This program will help benefit many of our drivers, especially those who were displaced due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” added Secretary Tugade.

“We at the DOTr and our partner Tesda are inviting our transport workers to join this program to open their lives to more avenues of livelihood,” he affirmed, hoping to encourage more applications.

Source: BusinessMirror