LINGAYEN – The“Tsuper Iskolar” a scholarship program for jeepney drivers, was formally launched here in a ceremony presided by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA)Director General Isidro Lapeña at the Sison Auditorium on April 4.

Gov. Amado Espino III joined Tugade and Lapeña during the launching attended by 900 beneficiaries who will be provided skills training for 30 to 35 days for free and will receive P350 daily transportation and meal allowance for the whole duration of the course.

Tugade said the DOTr partnered with TESDA to enable jeepney drivers to boost their income.

DOTr turned over P350 million to finance the program.

TESDA Provincial Director Cariza Dacuma said the driver-scholars enrolled in courses like driving heavy equipment, hair-dressing, massage, construction and farming. Courses on the use of and in fixing auto speed limiter gadgets will be offered soon.

Tugade said he wants TESDA to also have a driving course for women so they can drive provincial buses, tourist buses, trucks and other heavy equipment.

Lapeña said all the graduates of the program will be given National Certificate II that will be recognized here and abroad.

Qualified to avail of the “Tsuper Iskolar” program are jeepney drivers who are at least 18 years old and affiliated with local transport associations.

Tugade and Lapeña said Pangasinan was chosen as pilot area for “Tsuper Iskolar” because of the big number of drivers who indicated willingness to take the training.

Gov. Espino welcomed the program because it promotes “socio-economic empowerment” of PUV drivers-operators and their families.

“With the support from the national government, this is now your chance to help your families. Make the most out of this opportunity,” Espino told the beneficiaries.

The program will also be launched in Davao, Cebu and the National Capital Region. (Leonardo Micua)

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