“It’s not glamorous or luxurious, but it’s multipurpose.”In the hands of the second generation, Sarao jeepneys are no longer just mass produced; a number are specially crafted for clients who wish to keep one as objet d’art. While Sarao units looked similar when they rolled out of the production floor, they eventually acquired unique motifs and mostly hand-painted designs by the time they hit the streets. Still, the elder Sarao kept his feet on the ground and didn’t forget his kutsero friends, the son added. Edgardo, however, doesn’t share the fear of some transport groups that the modernization program would lead to the phaseout of jeepneys. According to data from the National Economic and Development Authority, there were about 35,000 jeepney units in Metro Manila alone as of 2014.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 22, 2017 18:56 UTC