A three-day re-orientation program was organized for all tricycle drivers here in the City of San Fernando, La Union from August 26 to 28, 2020 at the Barangay Poro Covered Court.

This initiative of the City Government, through the Local Economic and Business Development Office (LEBDO) in partnership with the Office of the City Mayor (OCM), Office for Public Safety (OPS) and City Health Office (CHO), was organized to remind the tricycle drivers of the existing National and City rules and regulations. Aside from these, future schemes and plans for the transport sector were also discussed during the said event.

Tricycle drivers were also reminded of the early signs and symptoms of CoViD-19 as well as the measures to be taken in order to prevent its transmission. Most importantly, drivers were reminded to adhere to the minimum health standards set by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

Aside from the streamlining of procedures in the renewal of business licenses and permits, LEBDO also discussed the Integrated Transport Management System (ITMS) which digitalizes all transactions of the transport sector, including the recording of traffic violations. This encourages our tricycle drivers to strictly observe all traffic laws, rules and regulations, and perform their duties as honest conveyors of commuters in the City.

Present in the said event were Mayor Alf Ortega, Vice Mayor Chary Nisce, City Councilor Hon. Monetski Ortega and Ex-Officio Member Hon. Ram Ortega.

In her message, Vice Mayor Chary recognized the significant role of our tricycle drivers in the City’s public transport system, especially in this time of pandemic.

At the latter part of the orientation, Honest Drivers were also recognized for bringing valuable belongings back to their respective owners. In his message, Mayor Alf stated that although our tricycle drivers may sometimes commit mistakes, they are honest and selfless. They never hesitate to return the valuable belongings left by their passengers. Mayor Alf Ortega believes that this is the true character of San Fernando’s tricycle drivers.

Apart from the orientation, tricycle drivers were also given the chance to raise their concerns and questions which were duly addressed by the representatives from the City Government. Sweatshirts and grocery packs were also distributed among the participants.

The City Government of San Fernando, La Union will never cease to improve its services for the people, especially now that we are recovering from the pandemic. Let us continue to show that #SanFernandoAyAyatenKa and help one another as we overcome the challenge before us.

(Story & Photos by Clifford Mercado)