Manila LGU is covering a lot of fronts during—and even after—COVID-19. From providing tablets and laptops for students and teachers, Mayor Isko Domagoso’s latest project is for the benefit of pedicab drivers.

[READ: This is how it’s done: Mayor Isko allocates P994 million to give Manila students tablets, 10 GB data allocation]

Earlier today, Domagoso presented to drivers from Balut Pedicab Operators and Drivers Associate (PODA) Rodriguez Line an alternative to their units suited for the “new normal:” pedicabs made by Italian vehicle manufacturer Piaggio.

The Piaggio Ape, which runs on gas or diesel, can be paid over three to five years by pedicab operators for P188 a day and only P1 downpayment.

“Ilalaban ko ito ng magandang presyo. Piso lang ang down, tapos ’yung hinuhulog mo, ’yun ’yung boundary mo, in three to five years, sa ’yo na ito,” Domagoso said. 

“Kayo ang inuuna ko lagi, kasi ’pag walang byahe, walang chicha [pagkain]. Pahirap nang pahirap ang buhay sa kalye ngayon. Iniisip ko kung paano pataasin ang dignidad ng mga naghahanap-buhay sa kalsada,” he added.

Last year, transport network vehicle service Grab teamed up with Dumaguete LGU to launch PediGrab, which utilized the same Piaggio unit. 

Domagoso—who said he himself used to be a sidecar boy—also proposed giving out mobile phones to PODA drivers to facilitate cashless payment systems.

Header photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office

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