Problemang pa-UP Ikot-ikot: How the UP Ikot represents deeper systemic issues

Jude Aldrich Allaga

A UP Diliman (UPD) student’s day often starts with a shouted “Para po,” hand gripped firmly on the jeepney railing, carrying a bag full of notebooks, pens, and lifelong dreams.

With their iconic yellow roofs, Ikot jeepneys have been a trademark of UP culture for almost 80 years. But what happens when the so-called “hari ng kalsada” becomes another symbol of UP’s systemic struggles instead?

History of the UP Ikot

Although the idea of the UP Ikot was initially laughed at as it had never been done before, ‘Tatay’ Irineo “Neong” Odoy, the “Father of the UP Ikot,” wanted to help students get around the sprawling UP campus for the low fare of five centavos. This little act of compassion not only generated a (then) whopping P100, but it also set in motion a new system that was there to stay: the UP Ikot.

Since 1958, more drivers have joined Tatay Neong in shuttling iskolars, teachers, and staff around the familiar routes we know today. Be it a stop at the daunting steps of Palma Hall, a ride past the scenic Sunken Garden, or a counter-clockwise loop around the academic oval—the UP Ikot has been a blessing to the UPD community whenever wheels could accomplish what a brisk walk could not.

Problems surrounding the UP Ikot

Unfortunately, the same privilege is not extended to the Ikot drivers themselves. Amid rising commercialization and shifting demands in UPD, Ikot drivers often find themselves left behind. 

In 2012, several Ikot drivers expressed concern over the possible shift to e-jeepneys, an initiative once pushed by UP that would make daily maintenance too time-consuming, especially during evening rush hours. The newly introduced jeepneys may also jeopardize their livelihoods, especially if modernization will fully substitute the traditional jeepney models.

Sudden shifts in the academic calendar likewise hinder UP Ikot operations and thus commuter flow, putting drivers’ wages on hold due to unexpected changes in schedule. At times, the Ikot would remain idle all day without any passenger in sight.

Ikot vs. Toki controversy

Last August 26, many UP Ikot jeepneys were seen lined up around the academic oval, confronting the newest hurdle to their everyday operations: the abrupt transition to Toki.

“Toki,” which is the literal inverse of “Ikot,” refers to the clockwise, though more understated, counterpart of the famous system—often, the Toki routes are used for decongestion and traffic control, at the discretion of the UP administration.

But the abrupt transition from “Ikot” to “Tiko” was more than just a consequential decision— 

Some drivers expressed frustration over this rapid change, revealing that they had not been consulted prior to the shift. “Mahina ang Toki,” said Alvin, an Ikot driver of over 19 years now. “Kawawa ang estudyante,” he shared, “hanapbuhay. Lahat. Ewan na lang kung bakit tinatanggal (I don’t know why it would be removed).”

On top of this, the current oil price hikes have worsened their situation, so much so that drivers have learned to adjust to “Toki” as a means to evade coding and continue operations amid inflation. 

“Walang kinikita rin kasi kaunti [ang] pasahero,” Alvin added. He lamented these recent developments, feeling unheard in their struggle: “Ginawang coop ‘yung mga dyip. Hindi pinapakinggan ng pangulo.”

The effect on students

Beyond the drivers themselves, students also bear the brunt of these shifts. Quincy, a freshman at UPD, shared how the recent transition has hampered his commuting experience. 

“I take Ikot at least once every day,” Quincy said, “I use the route to go around, especially when my classes or chosen food spots are located [in] farther locations around the campus.”

Unfortunately, the recent transition has hampered his commuting experience, citing how the decrease in jeepneys has worsened the lines near the UP Integrated School and Sunken Garden. “There was also a day [when] there were no jeeps at all,” he shared, “which I observed led to more crowded sidewalks as well. Overall, I can say that most of the student body, including myself, had a harder time navigating the campus, especially [at] dismissal times.”

Still, Quincy hopes for a better future for the Ikot drivers, wishing that both students and operators will mutually benefit from the system. “They have families to feed and children to take to school… they are just as integral to the community as everyone else,” he said. 

But is there truly a single culprit to an issue that has long been discussed yet remains unresolved? 

A common trend among these controversies is a lack of inclusive dialogue, one that considers the struggles and views of the UP Ikot drivers; despite being the first people affected by these changes, they are often the last to know.

Although it may not be the end of the road for the UP Ikot, one can’t help but wonder how jeepney drivers get by when their livelihoods are always stuck at a yellow light.