INTRODUCTION
The continuous development of technology had an impactful improvement in solving tasks that require a pressing need for coordination. This in turn will outperform existing jobs in the market that could come obsolete. We follow heuristics, which may be a source of mistakes. While computers and other advancements are integrated into a better system and network; hence, it is irrational to block the benefits of these technological growths in different disciplines. Automation has a significant benefit in solving transport mobility, and healthcare, and can also integrate into the biochemical process of human emotions which affects the arts discipline. Learning from the recent pandemic when mass unemployment took place should be taken seriously. We need to create new conditions to adapt to the changing nature of the economy, particularly to the job market.
In our history, we went through chaotic experimentation with social, political, and economic models (such as liberal democracy, communist dictatorship, and fascist regime) to implement the best solutions for our working conditions. Therefore, our job market needs to think about potential solutions for preventing jobs from being lost, creating enough new jobs, and what to do if, despite our best effort, job losses outstrip job creation. I wish to introduce “Universal Basic Income” and “Universal Basic Service” bridging Design in the context of the “Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program”
In context, the “Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program” (PUVMP) became concrete in 2017, with a continuous discussion towards the proposed system, paying for a newly proposed jeep with less carbon emission, and adapting to its transition program. This made the drivers, their families, and transport workers hang in the balance. And what more when the recent lockdowns halted their operations- which to some resulted in alms.
UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME AND UNIVERSAL BASIC SERVICE
We need to settle with new models that can safeguard people from job loss. Models such as UBS and UBI are gaining attention and going through discussion. UBS or Universal Basic Service promises great potential in subsidized services like communications, healthcare, and education from the government; therefore, a better choice to participate in society.
Alternatively, UBI or Universal Basic Income proposes to cushion the mass from job loss through cash incentives by taxing the elites and corporations. The debate is still sorted out whether to what extent us “universal” and “basic”.
One is by Fernando Aldaba, which introduces the concept of “BIG” or basic income guarantee as like universal basic income. Still, it ensures to cover the basic living cost of low-income individuals through a cash subsidy. As it is promising, the call for an administration with the political will to implement is still progressing. The implementation of BIG is still reasonable, resource-wise, for our country. It can be realized and delivered with the existing infrastructure used by the Pantawid Pamilya Program. There are also threats as it can be inflationary due to increased demand, moral hazards since beneficiaries may lose motivation to look for better quality jobs, and can be a source to divert government resources from competing priorities.
It is also thought of by Daniel G. Jennings who tries to mediate the value of the two models to fight inequality. Government can provide UBS to serve the mass with adequate healthcare, transportation, and educational infrastructure, while the private sector can provide a basic income for the citizen to afford necessities. The opportunity of learning its implications of to what extent should be is necessary, and threats of diverging UBS and UBI from the government and the private sector are dangerous.
We need to address how we slow down the pace of change, create new jobs, and what to do despite our best effort, job loss outstrips job creation. A prototype is presented hopefully to spark optimism for the said goal.
In this design exercise, I chose the Guadalupe jeep terminal as the location because of its high foot and vehicular traffic. I'm always fascinated with its surroundings, and very familiar with the place personally when coming to work. Several observations were made in the area:
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Conclusion
The design exercise was able to highlight some progressing ideas on possible work conditions such as “BIG” and mediating UBS and UBI. However, the discussion on what is “universal” and “basic” was still progressing and several weaknesses of the prototypes are still evident. Once the study was consulted with different stakeholders and key players, it opened so many opportunities. We still need to understand that the pace of change comes fast, and work should still start with initiatives.
BusinessMirror, F. A. (2020, January 30). Basic income guarantee, anyone? BusinessMirror. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/01/31/basic-income-guarantee-anyone/
Jennings, D. G. (2020, April 7). We need a basic income and universal basic services. Medium. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://medium.com/thoughts-economics-politics-sustainability/we-need-both-a-basic-income-and-universal-basic-services-market-mad-house-e0052e7070df
Bueno, A. (2020, December). The modernization plan is Changing Jeepney Drivers’ Lives Forever. cnn. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/transportation/2020/12/11/jeepney-modernization-deadline.html