PAGADIAN CITY: Nearly 5,000 tricycle
operators and drivers meet at Plaza Luz here last Jan. 15, to celebrate their
8th year “Tricycle Operators and Drivers Day.”
The group celebrated their
anniversary with the theme “Ang Kadena sa Panaghiusa Mao ang Manubela sa
Kalamboan.”
Several city officials turned up to
attend the annual activity, which is also included in the weeklong schedule of
the “Pangadyian Festival” that started last Jan. 9.
On behalf of the city executive,
Councilor Cesar Dacal Jr. delivered the mayor’s message which urged tricycle
drivers to be honest and courteous in dealing with their passengers as they are
the “show windows of the city.”
Congressman Victor J. Yu, also
aired his call to the drivers, saying they must always provide commuters with admirable
service to impress everyone especially the transients who will give a positive feedback
to other cities about Pagadian.
Yu said tricycles serve as the
oldest mode of transportation for the riding public ever since, able to withstand
the city’s steep terrain.
Presently, some 2,850 tricycles and
around 2,000 operators serve “Little Hongkong.”
In 2007 the City Council passed Ordinance
2K8-267 declaring every Jan. 8 as tricycle operators and drivers day in
recognition of their indispensable role in providing public convenience and
their contribution to the local economy.
The said ordinance was authored by
motor parts businessman and Councilor Arnold R. Gavenia, who also chairs the
local Motorized Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Board (MTFRB).
Jesuseller Duterte, Pagadian City
Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (PACTODA) president, thanked city
officials for the support extended to their group. (WITH REPORTS FROM PIA)