07/12/2021
NO MORE BOUNDARY FOR BALTRANSCO DRIVERS, RECEIVE THEIR FIRST SALARY UNDER MODERNIZATION PROGRAM
Drivers of Balangay Transport Service Cooperative (BALTRANSCO) receive their first salary following the cooperative's successful transition to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in November 2019.
Under the PUVMP, drivers and operators are on a salary-based system. In BALTRANSCO, drivers are paid P400 or P325 plus P90 allowance per day - a rate above the minimum in Caraga region. Work is limited to 8-hour shifts, but they may opt to work overtime which is paid. Upon reaching quota, they get a 10% incentive. All this on top of benefits from SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth, and double pay for the holidays.
The salary-based system paves the way for increased safety of drivers, operators, and commuters. Given the absence of boundary, drivers are not compelled to participate in competition on the roads. A higher regular income is also ensured for all as it follows the minimum wage set in the region - better compensation for less work.
BALTRANSCO was awarded a 33.195 million loan by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on 6 November 2019. This translated to 54 PUJ and taxi units plying intra-city routes from Lingayao, Agusan del Norte to Amparo, Butuan City and Butuan to any point in Caraga region.
The PUV Modernization Program is the flagship, non-infrastructure project of the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with the goal of providing a comfortable life for all Filipinos through a safe, reliable, convenient, affordable and environmentally-sustainable public transportation system in the country.
