Fiscal Fatigue: Inflation cools down but strain still felt

By HANNAH LOIS MARONILLA and JACE ADRIEL YAP

TRICYCLE DRIVER Joel Peñaflor has been driving his utility vehicle for almost all his life as a way to make ends meet.

He is just one of the many tricycle drivers whose consistent public service makes up the backbone to accessible transportation for the Filipino people.

Tirelessly working with a smile on his face, Joel is a man of integrity and humility amidst the growing holes in his dusty pockets - accumulating 23 years worth of experiences.

Even still, there are those who would claim that these everyday Philippine heroes overcharge for their services.

“What will be left for their family at home?” expressed Kyla when asked about her thoughts on the supposed overcharging of tricycle drivers.

Kyla is the daughter of Joel Peñaflor, and she is a 15 year old student in Bicol Regional Science High School (BRSHS).

She has been a consistent honor student since the first grade and is passionate about all things related to mathematics as she often joined math-related competitions in the past.

Kyla has been riding on her dad’s tricycle going to and from school since she was in elementary school.

It was only until she reached the 10th grade that she started commuting every day, not wanting to depend on her dad’s tricycle unless absolutely necessary.

“On a regular school day, I wake up at around 5 A.M. Drink coffee,