MODERNIZATION AT WHAT COST: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE PERCEPTIONS OF PUJ DRIVERS AND COMMUTERS ON THE DAVAO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

This study is focused on the attitudes and participation of selected PUJ drivers and commuters on the local policy Davao Public Transportation Modernization Program (DPTMP) using the narrative inquiry research design. A set of questions was administered to the participants through face-to-face interviews. The gathered data underwent thematic analysis where it revealed that: 1) Financial prioritization and resistance to change are the attitudes of PUJ drivers towards the DPTMP; 2) Resistance and acceptance of the project implementation are the participation of PUJ drivers towards the DPTMP; 3) Improvement of public transportation and stakeholders’ inclusivity are the attitudes of commuters towards the DPTMP; and 4) Willingness to take part in the implementation of the project shows participation of the commuters to DPTMP. Their perceptions were influenced by their personal experiences. These findings collectively informed the researchers recommendation to strengthen the social development component of DPTMP through extensive information dissemination and communication campaigns targeted for PUJ Drivers and commuters, and capacity-building of DPTMP social development program personnel. Ethical considerations were observed in the gathering and utilization of data.