If there is a symbol that reflects our culture, traditions, and heritage, I can't think of anything better that our jeepneys. No other object, structure, or natural resources that can symbolize our country more than our jeepneys.
Although these jeepneys were American's scrap vehicles during the war in the past, we have adopted it and developed it us our own. In the past, jeepneys are always classy and shows our traditions. It reflects colorful images of our cultures and traditions, sayings and slogans, and our characters are a nation.
Some jeepneys show images of Jesus or Mary that reflects our strong foundation to Christianity. Some jeepneys show images of the driver's children, or even their names. Even the simple "barya lang po sa umaga" reflect our character as Filipinos. Jeepneys are very colorful and full of art that it is considered an art piece for the drivers and the commuters. Clearly, jeepneys are our symbol.
Unfortunately, most jeepneys nowadays are terrible vehicles and I am ashamed to showcase them to the world.
Today's jeepneys have undisciplined and reckless drivers. They stop whenever and wherever they want to, and they don't care about the vehicles behind them. They let people hang only on the rear and does not prioritize the safety of the commuters. They take for granted the comfort of their passengers, that they even let in people even if it is already full. They emit a lot of black smoke and contributes in polluting the air. They are noisy, not only the jeeps themselves but also the drivers and the conductors.
Most jeepneys nowadays are not colorful and does not show our culture. They try to lower down their overhead cost by not painting their jeeps and leaving their jeeps a blank canvass. They not anymore show our cultures and traditions. Jeepneys are not art anymore.
Jeepneys in the Philippines traveled from being an asset for the country to being a liability to the country.
I think we should bring back the old and traditional jeepneys that we are proud of as a country. Electric motors for jeepneys must be implemented and tax incentives for these eco-friendly jeepneys must be put up. Jeepneys emitting smoke must not be allowed to travel. Proper lanes and loading and unloading areas for jeepneys must be put up. Systems of transportation must be developed, from the timing to the travel periods. Most especially, the art in the jeepneys must be brought back showing our heritage and culture. Jeepnes without art must be required to comply. Jeepneys that show negative characters and sayings of our country must not be allowed to travel.
Jeepneys are one of our solutions in the major problems in this country. Improving our jeepneys will improve our tourism, transportation, economy because of improvement of traffic, and pride as Filipinos.
New and improved jeepneys are not only our past, but our future. 4
Paolo S. Bellosillo
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