Pedaling to success
In the June 2006, April 2007 and October 2007 issues of The Far East we wrote about the Pedaling to Live Project and how it changed the lives of Filipino families. Here is the latest update about the project.
We launched the Pedaling to Live Project on April 18, 2006. We began with five tricycles. The aim of the project is to help drivers and their families who come from the poorest sectors of Ozamiz City. Since then, the project has grown. We now have 52 tricycles. Twenty-one of these have been handed over to their owners. The system in operation is called rent-to-own.
When a driver qualifies to receive a tricycle, he agrees to pay PHP$50 (AUD$1.27) each day from his earnings. When he has paid the agreed amount, he takes ownership of the tricycle and he keeps all his earnings. Those who have received ownership continue to be members and have savings in the co-op.
The drivers meet once a month with the co-op staff to discuss various issues that arise. They have their own elected officers. These officers are now taking a more active role in the day to day running of the project.
The drivers are all insured against accidents. As well, they and their families are all members of a health insurance plan.
We have completed the second year of our scholarship program for the children of the drivers. A total of 68 children are in the programme ranging from kindergarten to college level. We provide school materials, uniforms and part of their tuition fees. This assistance is much welcomed by the parents.
We have one sidewalk store in operation. One family is in charge and they pay a monthly rental fee from the income. If this venture proves successful we plan to increase the number in the coming months.
A special word of thanks goes to Ozamiz City People’s Cooperative for their continuing support. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.
Finally, we say thanks to the editor of The Far East, Fr Gary Walker and the staff in the Australian Far East office for their support and encouragement and not least to all the people who have sent donations for the project. "Daghan salamat" to all of you.
Fr Oliver McCrossan has been a missionary in the Philippines since 1975.
The tricycle owner diversifies into selling fruit and is now able to take care of his family.
