Jeepney drivers set up mobile palengke amid COVID-19 pandemic

A group of jeepney drivers in Manila who were unable to work due to the lockdowns launched a mobile palengke to earn a living amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Isa Avendaño-Umali’s Friday report on “24 Oras,” the jeepney drivers are selling fruits, vegetables, and other products in front of Laong Laan Elementary School.

Ronald dela Cruz, one of the drivers, said the mobile palengke is a big help to them as they have yet to ply their routes amid the health crisis.

All their products were donated by good samaritans, he said.

“Malaking tulong po sa amin ‘to. Sa oras na makabalik na kami sa biyahe, ihihinto na namin ‘to. Malaking pasasalamat po namin sa sponsor na nagbigay nito. Malaking tulong sa mga kasamahan namin talaga,” dela Cruz said.

He added that they had not received any aid from the local government.

Before setting up the mobile palengke, many of the drivers resorted to begging to be able to put food on the table.

With this, dela Cruz appealed to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to open more routes for jeepney drivers.

“Ang hiling lang po namin sa LTFRB, ibigay na po nilang 100% biyahe. Naghihirap na po kami, halos lahat dito may pamilya,” he said.

GMA News had sought comment from the LTFRB on the matter but the board had yet to respond as of posting time. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News