Quezon City, Lalamove tie up to help jeepney drivers

QUEZON CITY , Philippines — The Quezon City government has partnered with delivery service app Lalamove to provide jobs to hundreds of jeepney workers displaced by the coronavirus pandemic.

Around 200 jeepney drivers have signed up for the LalaJeep program, which aims to give drivers alternative livelihood while they are still prohibited from transporting commuters.

“This program is a welcome initiative because we will be able to help jeepney drivers affected by the community quarantine,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said. “We are grateful to Lalamove for piloting this project in Quezon City.”

Under the partnership, the local government would facilitate the screening and training of qualified jeepney drivers to enable them to understand and navigate the delivery app.

Lalamove will tap the drivers for its LalaJeep fleet, which is seen to cater to the growing market for delivery services.

“This project is aligned with Lalamove’s goal to empower communities and uplift the livelihood of those who are affected by the pandemic,” Lalamove managing director Dannah Majarocon said.

Mona Yap, head of the city’s small business and cooperatives development and promotions office, said the program could also help local businesses to become more reliant on delivery services.

“As many businesses are transitioning to online selling, which demands delivery services, LalaJeep will be a big support not just for jeepney drivers but also for small traders,” Yap said.

Quezon City earlier tied up with food delivery service foodpanda to provide jobs to tricycle drivers.