Filipino Jeepneys
Creative and innovative, Filipino jeepneys have become a vital part of an everyday Juan's life.
Braving through the Philippine heat is a public mode of transportation
used by many- the jeepney. The vehicle is reflective of Filipino characteristics- resilient,
creative, and innovative. Repurposed from the unserviceable Willys jeeps
left behind by the American soldiers after World War II, the jeepney
serves thousands of commuters from every island in this archipelagic
country.
It was a Caviteño named Leonardo Sarao who saw the potential of the
jeeps to become the nation’s unique form of mass transport. Extending
the body to accommodate double the number of passengers and including
some railings at the back of the vehicle and on the roof, the jeepney
can not only carry human passengers but poultry, furniture, and other
cargoes. When the supply of Willys jeeps ran out, Sarao began to import
from Japan cutting the costs for surplus materials. Sarao Motors still
produces the original jeepneys but many competitors have emerged
throughout the years.
Roaring through both rural and urban roads, there are no two of the same
jeepney when it comes to decoration. From painted on religious symbols
and cartoons, stick-on imagery and quotes, to varying accessories of
metal and plastic, the decorations for the Filipino jeepney is an art in
itself. It truly represents the Filipinos and the experiences and
beliefs they have.
There has been a recent push for eco-friendly jeeps with the government
wanting for the older versions to no longer be of service but this
proves as a threat to those whose livelihood revolve around the already
owned traditional vehicle. Many can lose their jobs and commuters would
be forced to pay even more and wait for longer hours for public commute.
But for polluted cities, it can be one way to mitigate this exact problem. The question here then is, are traditional jeepneys solely to blame for the pollution in highly urbanized cities or are they just easier to condemn and be rid of for more centralized, capitalistic ventures? One thing is certain as of the present and that is rain or shine, there will always be a jeepney heading to your destination. But this might not be the case in a few months time.
For more on this issue, read on New York Times.
