Virgenia O'Vidad is the Program Coordinator of Pedaling to Live Program and Green Shelter in the Philippines and writes:
Daniel from the Province of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines began driving a pedal-powered tricycle taxi that carries passengers throughout the city at the age of seven. He worked three to four hours a day until he was old enough to get a driver’s license and become a full time tricycle driver.
After more than 15 years ferrying passengers from pier to school, market and offices, Daniel realised that he needed to earn more income to support his wife Victoria and their six children. Purchasing his own tricycle instead of renting one seemed like his only option of ‘getting ahead.’
His wife works as a house helper for their neighbours and earns 2,000 pesos a month (AUD$57). She starts work at 7:00am and returns home at 7:00pm. They send their four children to public school and leave their youngest children at home.
Pedalling to Live Program
Daniel applied to the Pedaling to Live project, founded by Columban Fr Oliver McCrossan. A program aimed at giving value, dignity and uplifting the lives of the drivers and their families. Drivers are given an incentive to qualify for a low interest loan by regularly contributing to a people’s bank for an agreed term. Contracts are for 18 months and loan payments are less than the daily rental the drivers currently pay.
After being accepted, Daniel pays 60 pesos (AUD$1.70) a day for the tricycle unit and 20 pesos (AUD$0.57) per day for his savings at the local cooperative. He drives from early in the morning until 8:00pm in the evening and earns 300-400 pesos a day ($AUD11.30). Whilst his income is good it only covers the cost of food and school obligations.
In her role as Program Coordinator, Virgenia O'Vidad regularly visits members of the Pedaling to Live Program. On her first visit, to see Daniel, she saw that the family rented only a small room used for dining and living. The kitchen was located near the seashore, some distance from the rented room. During the typhoon and the heavy rain seasons, the children would become in danger of being swept away. They were paying 900 pesos per month in rent (AUD$25).
Cycling to Build – Green Shelter Program
Daniel was introduced to the Cycling to Build - Green Shelter Program, a program aimed at offering families an opportunity of having a decent home, where they can live in a sustainable and harmonious community.
The houses have one floor, two small bedrooms, a cooking and dining area, toilet, a washing area and a small space to grow vegetables. A function hall has been built for community meetings and includes a mini library for the children.
To supplement their income, some families have developed backyard hog fattening using Korean technology, doormat making, vegetable gardening and chicken dispersal.
The good news is that Daniel and his family will be our next housing beneficiary.
Virgenia O'Vidad is the Program Coordinator of Pedaling to Live Program and Green Shelter. A Ministry of Columban Fr Oliver McCrossan.