The jeepney — a moving canvas, a Filipino heritage

The jeepney — a moving canvas, a Filipino heritage

By Lander P. Blanza
The Manila Times
July 14, 2024

The Willys Jeep was created in response to the US Army's need for a light, durable, and versatile vehicle. Its innovative design included a powerful yet efficient 60-horsepower engine, a rugged four-wheel drive system, and a distinctive flat-fender body style. Willys and Ford produced over 639,000 Jeeps during World War II. The Jeep was equipped with a four-cylinder 60-horsepower engine and weighed 2,200 pounds. These vehicles were used by the G.I.s during WWII, and many were abandoned afterward.

During peacetime, many Filipinos were left without transportation, facing the challenges of total destruction, particularly in Manila and the suburbs. However, the Filipinos' resourcefulness was evident as they repurposed the abandoned Willys jeeps left by the US soldiers, rebuilding and modifying them to cater to the needs of the impoverished citizens.

This transformation gave birth to the iconic jeepneys, which have since become an integral part of daily life in the Philippines, serving as a vital mode of transportation since the 1950s.

Filipinos transformed these jeeps into passenger jeepneys using galvanized or stainless steel for the body, fabric covers instead of side windows, and longitudinally mounted benches with space for 20 or even more passengers.

The most interesting part was the body designs done by Filipino artists; they were meticulously designed with brilliant colors and patterns, featuring a diverse range of inspirations. These included tourist spots in the country, such as the iconic Mayon Volcano, album designs of rock legends, and many more. This variety of influences is a testament to the rich cultural landscape of the Philippines.

These designs, which became the norm in the manufacturing of jeepneys, turned the vehicles into captivating moving canvases.

The jeepneys, always vibrant and adorned with religious symbols and intricate designs that fascinate the eye, dominate Manila and serve specific routes throughout the country.

In theory, jeepney drivers are expected to adhere to designated stops. However, they exhibit remarkable adaptability in reality, stopping anywhere they're flagged down or wherever a passenger wishes to disembark. If their jeepneys are not filled to capacity, drivers reduce their speeds to a minimum, always primed to pick up a new passenger. It's important to understand that maintaining a high volume of passengers is essential.

With its simplicity and low cost, the jeepney has made it a cultural icon. It's crucial that the community carefully consider any proposed changes to the system, ensuring that people's voices are heard and our needs are met.

According to a study, there are approximately 179,000 jeepneys nationwide, most of which are several decades old. These jeepneys, with their diesel engines, are significant contributors to air pollution. Therefore, it is essential for the government and all stakeholders to join forces in addressing this pressing issue.

Undeniably, the problems with these old jeepneys underscore the critical need for collaboration. The phase-out of jeepneys in the Philippines due to modernization initiatives affects drivers and passengers. Drivers are encountering challenges such as reduced income, miscommunication leading to inconsistent perceptions, and competition from alternative modes of transport such as motorcycle taxis.

However, the decision to preserve these iconic vehicles is not solely in the hands of policymakers. With their appreciation for art and culture, the public can play a significant role in advocating for preserving the traditional body designs of jeepneys.

It is crucial to heed the advice of art critics and Senator Raffy Tulfo, who in a hearing with the LTO, stressed the need to preserve the jeepney's iconic features. These elaborate and captivating body designs, along with the longer, taller, and safer modern jeepneys, are not just vehicles, but tapestries of Filipino life. The jeepneys, an unofficial national symbol, are a moving canvas, a true Filipino heritage.