Over 40 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and operators gathered to participate in the 81st batch of Social Preparation Training under the Davao Bus Project’s Social Development Program (SDP) on September 16–17, 2026 at the Grand Menseng Hotel.
”Daghan kaayong nakat-unan sukad nga nag-anhi ko gahapon og karon bahin sa posisyon sa bus ug sa dalan. Daku kaayong tabang kini sa amoa, lalo na sa akoa kay bata pa ko, naa pa’y oportunidad nga makadrive sa bus (I learned a lot since I came here yesterday and today regarding the position of the bus and on the road. This is a huge help to us, especially to me since I am still young, there is still an opportunity to drive a bus),” Garry James Junaco, a PUJ driver of seven years on the El Rio route.
The two-day capability enhancement training initiative targeted individuals directly impacted by the project, including PUJ drivers, operators, and allied transport workers.
Participants underwent comprehensive workshops focusing on personality development, financial literacy, and public employment access. These sessions were designed to help transport workers adjust to new livelihoods and manage upcoming financial assistance effectively.
”Ang kining programa sa LGU kabahin sa Davao Bus Project or DPTMP is syempre para sa atong mga affected na mga individual, particularly sa jeepney sector. Kinahanglan nila na makaundrego og training sama anang mga personality development, at the same time naa poy financial literacy ug ang pinaka-importante gyud ang update kabahin sa proyekto (This program of the LGU under the Davao Bus Project or DPTMP is, of course, for our affected individuals, particularly in the jeepney sector. They need to undergo training such as personality development, at the same time there is financial literacy and most importantly, the update regarding the project),” the Supervising Project Development Officer of the Davao Bus Project Office, Arjay Abat said.
Abat noted that while participants were initially hesitant during early rollouts, engagement has grown significantly over time, with drivers actively participating in sessions and expressing appreciation for updates regarding the bus project.
He also emphasized that to support the participants and offset lost earnings during the two-day training, they were provided free meals and a daily training allowance of Php 700 per day or a total of Php 1,400 per attendee upon completion.
The Social Preparation Training is a mandatory component of the Social Development Program under the Davao Bus Project. The program requires affected transport workers to complete the training, which serves as a primary requirement to access financial and non-financial assistance from the city government come the implementation of the project. CIO
Written: J. Murillo
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: N. Malasado