Journal of Socialomics

Abstract

Non-Motorized Public Transport and Tourism - The Case of Pedicab Drivers of Catbalogan, Samar, Philippines

Irene EA, Laurilla FT and Bajado JC

Non-motorized public transport such as Pedicab or tricycle rickshaw earns the advantage of a fast way to earn money but in the context of the marginalized sector, it is professions they know for a living and majority of these Pedicab drivers never escape the bondage of poverty. The authors surveyed the status of Pedicab operations in Catbalogan City and its role to the tourism industry. It employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, capitalizing from results of the quantitative analysis and key informant interviews. Results show that there was a decreasing trend in the number of Pedicab units but found no significant differences in the number during the threeyear period (2011-2013). The data also shows most of Pedicab drivers came from outskirts of the city, mostly elementary graduate but others have finished two to four-year college courses, married and in their early adulthood. Majority spent five to eight hours of driving a day and has spent more than five years in pedicab driving, but their economic condition barely improved. Tourism is generally viewed as the key in improving their income but on how to achieve it is uncertain. Pedicab operators are found to be lackluster in their efforts in preparing for tourism such as restructuring their Pedicab units to make it tourist-friendly and attractive. A policy must be institutionalized in order to regulate and monitor the number and operation of the Pedicab.