2nd batch of drivers receive rice

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government yesterday distributed sacks of rice to the second batch of qualified habalhabal (motor-for-hire) drivers.

The habalhabal drivers from the different barangays in Cebu City, who have complied with the requirements, gathered in front of the Cebu City Hall, Legislative building for the releasing of rice subsidy.

In accordance with Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s Executive Order (EO) 45, to qualify for the rice subsidy, one must be a registered voter in the city and a member of any habalhabal association.

They have to present the following to the Two-Wheeled Motor Vehicle Monitoring, Coordinating and Assistance Unit (TMV-MCAU) the profile sheet, certificate of indigency, the motorcycle’s certificate of registration and official receipt, and member certification issued from the habalhabal association.

After providing all the necessary requirements, the sack of rice should be claimed not later than 15 days, else it will be forfeited.

“Dili mi mo-release (sack of rice) if dili gyud maka-comply sa requirements base sa atong EO 45,” said Assistant City Administrator Annabeth Cuizon.

Among the estimated 6,000 drivers in the city, only 1,290 sacks were given during the first rice distribution last Feb 23.

For the second batch of beneficiaries, they are expecting to release about 1,700 sacks of rice.

One of the beneficiaries, Michael Cupta, 49, and a habalhabal driver for nine years, was grateful for the city government’s initiative to help individuals like him who earn little from habalhabal.

“Nalipay kay maka-save gamay, di ka kagasto. Ang para palit og bugas ma-save para sa pamilya,” Cupta said.

However, Cupta expressed that it would be better if the government start to legalize motor-for-hire drivers like him.

“Mas nindot gyud og malegal na ni. Sige og hatag (pero) dakopon.. wa lang gihapoy mahimo. “

Just few months ago, the Supreme Court has ruled that motorcycle-hailing app Angkas and motor-for-hire drivers illegal and be apprehended. — Raizza G. Aliviado (FREEMAN)