Inflation

cools down but...

From page 1  take a bath, get dressed, fix my things, drop me off to the jeepney terminal. When classes ended, i will then be picked up,” she added as she recalled her daily routine.

In her many years as a student, Kyla has had her fair share of projects and activities which can often amount to an increasing amount of school expenses which prove to be quite a challenge for her and her family. However, this does not stop her from meeting requirements and producing quality outputs.

“As a student of BRSHS, the struggle is real especially when it comes to expensive projects. It’s a good thing that I know how to budget my money so I won’t have to ask from my parents,” she proudly claims.

Inevitable clutch

Plenty of the tricycle drivers that we come across each day have families that they need to provide for just like Joel and Kyla.

Raising a family is no easy task which is why increasing cases of overcharging have started to appear.

And, that is especially true when the Philippines has the highest level of inflation in all of East Asia at 8.3% based on the first quarter assessment of the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook.

“I will endure my work to provide for the needs of my family and schoolkids,” assures Joel, determined to always charge commuters fairly while sufficiently caring for his family.

Increasing fuel prices are also a driving factor for the increasing cases of overcharging tricycle drivers.

As major contributors in the transportation sector, tricycle drivers become more restricted with their income as gas expenses becoming more difficult to compensate for.

“I understand the public clamour. But, in every rise of gas prices, we are put in a position where we would either incur a loss pass this little burden to our customers against our will—where we might charge the passengers extra,” explains Joel.

Checkpoint

The city government and town council recognizes these impacts which were brought on by the consequent and massive increases of fuel prices to tricycle operators, deeming it necessary to enact an ordinance last October 15, which appropriately adjusts the tricycle fare rates in the city.

Such ordinances highlight the importance of spreading awareness about higher fare rates brought on by a variety of factors such as fluctuating gas prices.

Gears roll like clockwork

There is a reason behind everything and overcharging is no stranger to that fact.

What seems like an egregious additional charge to regular fares may actually be the only thing helping the everyday tricycle put food on the plate for themselves and their family.

“Things happen for a reason. From the price hike of gasolines to goods, and inflation. I know these things as a daughter of a tricycle driver. Are we just going to turn a blind eye to their hardships and efforts to sustain their family needs?” questions Kyla.

Might it be the fuel costs, low income, or a different reason that the public does not know altogether, tricycle drivers overcharging do not always necessarily entail greed or selfishness.

On the contrary, they may just have a story like Kyla and Joel who simply want to overcome their tribulations and get by the day. ■