The little warrior from history: Malolos Karatig on looming engines of PUVMP

| By Danica Macayan, Princess Concrenio & Alyssa Domingo

Take a one-wheel forward into the historic town of Malolos, Bulacan, where the essence of community beats through the vital history of the Karatig Jeepney. More than a mere vehicle, this emblematic mode of transportation serves as a living testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and cultural richness of Maloleño.

In a bygone era, the streets of Malolos were humble dirt roads, and the necessity for a reliable and accessible transportation system led to the creation of the Karatig Jeepney. Derived from the Filipino term "Karatig," signifying neighbor or nearby, this distinctive vehicle emerged as more than a typical conveyance. It is a product of Filipino innovation, utilizing surplus cars left by the Americans after World War II. With a capacity that varies based on the jeep's length and size, it measures 3 meters long and can accommodate 8-10 commuters at the back, along with two passengers in the front seat.

Traversing through time, the transportation system in the Philippines sets off to modernization due to a fast-paced environment - a generational demand. This modernization concerned the history of a communal masterpiece — a mobile canvas depicting the stories, dreams, and identity of Malolos.

Tales on the Wheels of Karatig

Beyond being a vehicle, the Karatig jeepney becomes an extension of identity for Karbon—a vessel for the daily drama of life on the road. "Namuhay na ako rito”, Karbon states underlining the close connection he has with driving Karatig jeepney for 21 years already.

When asked if being a jeepney driver is his primary livelihood, Karbon unfolds a personal narrative of sacrifice, revealing his choice not to marry and to dedicate himself to the well-being and education of someone close to his heart. 

“Ito lang, pagmamaneho. ‘Di naman ako nag-asawa, nag-alaga lang ako. Pinag-aral ko, nu’ng nakatapos, naghiwalay na kami [nu’ng pinag-aral niya]. Malay mo, balikan ulit ako.”

Karbon, in an interview when asked about his personal narrative in his 21 years as a Karatig driver. Photo by Alyssa Domingo

Karbon’s narrative depicts vast sacrifices behind the compact identity of Karatig jeepney in the streets of Malolos. 

Like Karbon, Oliver, who has been behind the wheels of Karatig for a decade now, is also a testament to his resilience ascribed to his inspiration, his wife, and two daughters.

“Pamilya ko syempre, mag-ina ko”

Oliver, Karatig driver for 10 years, smiled with his co-worker while traversing streets of Malolos, Bulacan. Photo by Alyssa Domingo

He said when asked about his motivation in day-to-day steering in the cramped area of the driver's seat in his Karatig jeepney, for Oliver, the steering wheel is not just a means of transport but the lifeline supporting his family. 

A deep-rooted connection exists between drivers and their traditional jeeps, emphasizing the cultural significance embedded in this mode of transportation.

The rise of PUVMP

The government recognized the need for improvement as a response. It launched the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) which seeks to phase out old jeepneys and replace them with safer, more efficient public vehicles that meet international standards.

The prospect of a world without Karatig leaves Karbon with limited alternatives, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by those with physical constraints.

“‘Di ako payag do’n. Kasi maiksi lang ‘yung tinatakbo namin [na ruta]. Pa’no naman ‘yung mga namamalengke? ‘Di naman puwedeng isakay sa bagong sasakyan na de aircon [‘yung isda na binili] maaamoy ‘yung lansa. Dito na lang, karatig na lang.”

Karbon driving the alley of Maguinhawa to go back to Fausta-Malolos Bayan as his route on on that day. Photo by Alyssa Domingo

Yet, regarding the idea of more efficient transportation, the government, jeepney operators, drivers, and commuters have been in countless discussions over the anticipated phaseout of traditional jeepneys throughout the previous few weeks. The ongoing debate about the near-end deadline is more profound than its economic concern—-it goes far deeper than that.

The impending changes pose a direct threat to Oliver’s livelihood. He emphasized the effect on income and vulnerability of those dependent on the Karatig. 

“Karatig pa rin, kasi ang modern jeep may quota sila tapos sasahuran lang ang driver. 600 lang ang kita araw-araw edi ayon lang, magkano na lang iuuwi mo? ‘Di tulad sa karatig kung ano kinita mo buong mag-hapon sa’yo na ‘yon basta ilalabas mo lang doon krudo saka boundary.”

The unwavering commitment to family drives Oliver into each new day as he showcases his profound personal motivations behind the wheel.

In response to the government's enforcement of the PUV Modernization Program, which deadline awaits on December 31, the Malolos Karatig Transport Cooperative (MKTC) was established in 2020 led by Fernando Evangelista. Per PUVMP’s franchising guidelines, individual franchise holders must consolidate and join cooperatives. The loans acquired from cooperatives should supposedly help franchise holders earn modern jeepneys.

Sherwin Decena, the Malolos Karatig Transport Alliance’s (MAKATA) current chairperson, said that the cooperative still insisted on the exemption of Karatig in PUVMP compliance. According to him, the Karatig’s route is irreplaceable by the modern jeepney route. 

“Inaano rin namin na ‘di kami makasama sa PUV Modernization kasi nga kung titignan niyo, biyahe ng karatig ay napaka-ikli. 4 kilometers lang mula dine sa bayan hanggang sa dulo ng lugam.”

Sherwin Decena in sharing the work of MAKATA to exclude the Karatig in Jeepney Phaseout at Karatig Depo, Malolos, Bulacan.

Photo by Alyssa Domingo

Decena emphasized that a modern jeepney unit costs a lot, and drivers could not afford it.

“Doon sa modernization program nila, medyo mataas ang presyo nila, na modern jeep na kanilang gustong ipatupad.”

The MAKATA then pleaded to the City Transportation Office to request Karatig PUVMP exclusion. According to Decena, City Councilor Ayee Ople and City Mayor Christian Natividad they have conducted legislative procedures to push through Karatig’s exemption from phase-out. Decena claimed that Mayor Natividad and Councilor Ople assured Karatig drivers of exemption from the PUV Modernization Program.

Cultural implications of Karatig against PUVMP

More than a means of transportation, the Karatig also helps to promote tourism in Malolos City. The city tourism office conducts all-around tours for visitors and tourists via Karatig's jeepney ride. As another means of income, the Karatig drivers are instructed by LGUs to serve as tour guides, which is beneficial for introducing Malolos’ culture, according to the tourism office.

“Tuwing may malaki kaming tour ng mga tourists, ginagawa namin siyang sasakyan ng mga turista. Ganoon minsan ang ginagawa namin para marami silang involved sa Malolos - ‘yung mga Karatig jeepney”, Jerryco Tanig, staff of Arts, Culture, and History office said.

Jerryco Tanig on sharing the City tourism projects on Karatig at Malolos City Municipal Hall, Bulacan.

Photo by Alyssa Domingo

The City tourism office also conducts “Sining sa Karatig '' wherein Karatigs are painted by local painters, mostly painters from Bulacan State University (BulSU). The activity aims to imply the cultural relation of Malolos to Karatig as an artistic trademark, according to Tanig.

“Every Fiesta Republika ginagawa iyon… and then makita nila na ‘yun pala effective. So magkakaroon sila ng idea. Atleast nadidikit yung pangalan ng Malolos sa Karatig. So, ‘pag nakakakita ka ng jeep na maliliit, ‘yun na nandon ka na sa Malolos.”

The Karatig, which has held its cultural prestige in Malolos for years, will still confront another problem aside from the PUVMP. 

According to the National Cultural Heritage Act or R.A. 10066, an important cultural property that has existed for more than 50 years shall undergo cultural preservation. Hence, the Karatig, which has lived in the Philippines since the 1950s, shall be exempted from phasing out. 

Tanig said that the Karatig was popularly known as Malolos’ cultural icon. Still, no local, national, or international documents supported the recognition of Karatig as a cultural heritage. 

“Wala pa ngayon [dokumento] eh. Parang ang Karatig dumadaan-daan lang diyan, parang ganoon lang din… Pero ngayon sa Malolos, alam kong mayroon nang mga panukala, mga batas, mayroong mga hinahain na para mapangalagaan sila.”

Meanwhile, division head Sta. Ana justified that Karatig should be recognized as a cultural heritage.

“Cultural icon siya in a sense 50 years above na siya. Without that, wala na rin ang Malolos.”

Furtermore, Councilor Ayee Ople, Head of DOTr Malolos, emphasized that their office will help and look after the historical value of Karatig to be excluded in jeepney phaseout amidst the impending PUVMP.

"Nakikita ko na titignan ng DOTr ang kasaysayan sa likod ng Malolos Jeepney karatig upang ito ay hindi nila maisama sa PUVMP."

The journey of Karatig continues

Despite the vanishing threat that the Karatig jeepney faces, the city tourism office assured its continuity in the streets of Malolos. 

“Well, I think ‘yang cultural heritage na yan ay mananatili. It will stay forever. Kasi, ang implication kasi niyan nasa atin, nasa kaisipan natin, it’s in our minds. Pag nawala yan , may mawawala sa ating memory na ‘di mo na maibabalik”

In the intricate tapestry of urban existence, untold tales of unseen history and culture behind the steering wheels of Karatig weave its narrative, embodying the resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment that characterizes the unsung heroes of the city's daily commute.

TAGS: Karatig, Culture, PUVMP, Jeepney Phaseout, Malolos