THE EFFECT OF THE PANDEMIC ON THE INCOME OF THE

TRICYCLE DRIVER IN GUIMBA NUEVA ECIJA

Chapter 2

Abstract
"Basta driver, sweet lover." A short cheesy line makes them known as the roads' casanova, the
nicest sweet talker, generous people, and someone who will ensure the passengers' safety.
However, behind the most adorable smile on their lips is the underlying reason for their every
sweat and hard work, and because of the recent events, everything changed. Coronavirus
Disease (COVID-19) has been the world's biggest problem encountered during the 21st Century.
Thus, the study utilizes Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with 10 participants in
the study. Additionally, it aims to explore the life experiences of tricycle drivers during the
pandemic, specifically: (1) to describe the lived experiences of the respondents, (2) to describe
the challenges faced by the respondents, and (3) to describe the ways and means on how they
cope up with the situation. Moreover, based on the study, the findings are the following: tricycle
drivers experienced the pandemic's positive and negative effects that teach them things that they
must do if it happens again. The respondents faced challenges and difficulties brought by the
pandemic and created their ways to deal with it. They also teach different coping mechanisms
during the pandemic that helped them adjust and face the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keywords: Tricycle drivers, COVID-19, income, Lived experiences, Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis

. INTRODUCTION
"Basta driver, sweet lover." A short cheesy line makes them known as the roads' casanova, the
nicest sweet talker, generous people, and someone who will ensure the passengers' safety.
However, behind the most adorable smile on their lips is the underlying reason for their every
sweat and hard work, and because of the recent events, everything changed. Coronavirus Disease
(COVID-19) has been the world's biggest problem encountered during the
21st Century. Sagar (2020) said that in just a matter of weeks, everything has changed. Millions
of lives are infected, economies of different countries went down, and many people give their
lives to save others – that no one is safe
until everyone is safe.

According to Zahar (2020), it ll started when China's health authorities publicized the cause of
the growing pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China. This type of virus never exists in humans
until then. The World Health Organization (WHO), 2020 has considered COVID-19 as a
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (2020) after twenty-three days. In the
Philippines, first confirmed the Department of Health announces
local transmission of COVID-19 on March 7, 2020, and a day after, the President acknowledged
it as a threat to National Security. COVID-19 pandemic situation is a deep bare fracture in
every Filipino's life and Philippine socio-economic society. All Filipinos, no matter the socio-
economic classes, have been affected by the pandemic and the sudden lockdown. Many do
receive an emergency subsidy, but it's not enough for the entire epidemic period. For those who
receive the aid, there's a scarcity in covering individual and family needs. Many
workers are from the informal sector who are not secured by labor laws, and their jobs are cannot
be done at home. The tricycle drivers paid just by giving service, and their operations are not on
the government's radar. Some are not covered and registered in social services like Social
Security System or SSS and Philhealth. (Lorenzo, 2020). Many have been struggling to put food
on the table, but it is the poorest who suffered the most. (Waxman, 2020)
Many public utility vehicles in guimba Nueve Ecija cried fNuevelEcijaying they have no more
food to feed their families. Some people stop working e to fear that they might get the disease,
but some continue to use it because they have a family to feed. They're saying, "We're not afraid
of the virus. We are afraid because we have no money to feed our families. We are all hungry."
ERIC CABLAYAN, president of TODA in Simba and a tricycle
driver for the past 20 years, has already felt the pandemic's impact. He said that he used to earn
400 a day, but it is now down to 150. He also said that the money he makes is not enough to feed
his family and said, "It can only buy rice." And lastly, he said that "It is tough for us drivers. The
virus may not kill us, but hunger and poverty will."
The study's objective is to know the
Effect pandemic to the income of tricycle driver in guimba nueva ecija

1.1 Research Questions

This study's primary goal is to explore the lived experiences of tricycle drivers during the
pandemic.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What are the experiences of tricycle drivers during the pandemic?
2. What are the challenges of tricycle drivers during the pandemic?
3. How do tricycle drivers cope up w the situation during the pandemic?

2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Experiences of Tricycle Drivers

Regardless of social standing, the Coronavirus and today's pandemic affect everyone is not alse.
Significant to what's being discussed, assuming that everyone should strictly obey government
rules that manage it is inconsiderate and lack thoughtful consideration. Government responses
that weaken the impact of health crises create a change in each other's lives, yet still, they affect
people in different ways negatively than the others.
Implementation of quarantine nationwide is a big help in flattening the curve, but these rules
only favor those who have more stable jobs and incomes. Poor ones, it's difficult for them to
survive through that. Tricycle drivers, who are st useho heads in communities, as the guidelines
got stricter and forced implementation of curfews, tricycle drivers continued services, risked
their lives, and got caught to feed their families. And to make the situation
even worse, those who saw need to pay fees, fees that they can use for their food and other needs
of themselves and their family s. Another problem is some of the home communities, especially
places where corruption is high, still haven't received their relief goods and subsidies that are a
big help for them from the local government. (Bahjin-Imlan,
2020)

Whether it's because of the unemployment out-of-hand hand unpredicted emergencies, the

growing
pandemic will continue to affect personal and family expenses that at this time is not long from
upcoming more days and years. However with this kind of unusual time, a chance to change and
adjust your shorter and long-term financial goals to guarantee your soon-to-be financial stability.
COVID-19 may have thrown you for a primary loop in the financial department. Still, there are
many ways to reduce the economic impact and slowly but surely get to economic stability.
(Black, 2020)

In the early weeks of 2020, many of us were experiencing lockdown. Most of our priorities from
2020 have most likely shifted, and the new normal has forced us all to learn new ways of doing
things, and although some people have more time in the day because of their work from home, it
can still be challenging to stay focused. We can allopportunities liess in times of difficulties and
adjustments by having a growth mindset. (Bosworth,
2020)

There are 1.7 million "registered" tricycle units in the country, with possibly hundreds of

thousands more
Operating without franchises, as stated by the National Confederation of Tricycles and
Transport Operators and Drivers Associations of the Philippines. About 3,520 registered tricycle
units in Guimba alone. Anticipating the severe consequences of the mass transportation shut
down in Luzon due to the coronavirus disease that affects millions of drivers who are not
allowed to ferry their families who depend on their daily trips for their everyday expenses.
(Cabrera, 2020)
The transportation system is seriously affected, and dropped because of companies' temporary
closing and limitations ofoof people’sility to move freely. Pandemic makes a significant impact
on our Tricycle drivers. A plague turns to lower their daily basis of income. Schools are closed
and no more pupils ferry. No visitors dare to visit and do leave. Attempt hailing is lessening due
to the significant decrease in workers on the street. Seniors citizens ges 8 and b o re are lnoted
to go outside their homes. By order of law, drivers can accommodate only one commuter per
ride. Some woke up earlier than usual and did service until night-time. And because food has the
most significant charge in everyday life, a deduction for some goods will be the best option
Those wives also need to work to help increase the family's resources. Personally, tricycle
drivers are the most in trouble on how they will go to support their financial needs and other
expenses. (Canares, 2020)

According to Galang (2020), affected publictransportt members (trike drivers and pineyey
drivers) in Nueva Ecija, who received food packs from SM Inc. and SM Cabanatuan, stated that
the pandemic made everyone in a critical condition. It's too hard for tricycle drivers to earn
money to spend for daily individual and family expenses during this kind of pandemic. Trike
drivers still plying even there's a minority of passengers these days, considering that the average
revenue since June is PHP 200. And according to senior citizen jeepney driver Alfredo Padilla,
one who also benefited from the given food packs, jeepney drivers used to earn Php1 300 a day
before compared to Php 400 every couple of days.

One of the primary victims of COVID-19 is the transport system. All have been affected
economically, from road-based to airlines. Sudden lockdown in every country results in harmful
effects in terms of the demands of transport passengers. Even though governments implemented
various laws for general guidance, every passenger, individuals practicing social distancing
restrictions, or even tthesituation mememe I de le c l ange differ t pr e esagennewsagenciesans
f tr p . ThaThate o eatdeatlead transport using that accommodates lentplenty plenty. n Ch a,
selChavernment v icles pre r d touchless goods o crease and even ir rea d I Ind , they
ampInd urampedery services for necessary products. (Harikumar, 2020)

The tricycle drivers are authorized due to pitiful life conditions and reminding every driver to
follow every firm's measures. It includes the allowed number of passengers and not being an
opportunist in charging a high fare because commuters of tricycles are also incapable and in
ed. nd at be gbbeing becaugratefulleas now trike drivers have something. (Lalu, 2020)

2.2 Challenges of Tricycle DriversThe runnrunningpublic transport in Gisba are shut out, and
only trike drivers have a permit to continue due to the demand for Modified Enhanced
Community Quarantine (MECQ). Drivers do led tlead eagerness to work because of m ger
income, and only a few dare to go outside. Fardared around PHP25 to PHP50, depending on how
far the route is. And as for safety, there's a prepared plastic divider following firm measures.
According to 61-year-old trike driver Alfredo Perez, they used to have earnings of PHP500 a day
before the pandemic, and now only PHP
150 is the total amount they gain for everyday ferry since July. It's needed to double their work
and have at least 17-18 hours of plying to get the amount required to support the family's daily
expenses. (Aquino, 2020)
According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) (2020), passengers' capacity and load
factors are needed for each transport mode to follow physical distances strictly. Passenger load
for public utility busses (PUBs) and public utility jeeps (PUJs) does not exceed 50% or half of
the vehicle's capacity, except for the driver and the conductor. In UV Express and taxis, the
passenger load should not exceed two passengers per row, except for the driver's row, where
only one passenger is allowed. On the other hand, Tricycles must not exceed one rider in a

sidecar though bk-riding is not permitted.

According to Foss (2020), while there is life, there's hope. Despite your anxious brain's effort to
focus on the worst situations, and despite the feeling of anxiousness sucking any sense of
positivity from the day, you can still find hope during the pandemic. With some intentional
effort, you can learn several skills that will manage your sense of confidence despite the crisis
and help you build emotional stability to handle instability.
COVID pandemic situation made everyone suffer no matter what their social standing is in
Philippine society. All Filipinos in different social cases have been affected by the pandemic and
the sudden implementation of enhanced community quarantine or lockdown. Still, it is the
poorest who suffered the most. Many were already struggling to put food on the table in
ordinary times, but today's situation makes it even worse. But what's tremendous was that
not all families or individuals received aid from the government that was supposed to help
them cover their family's needs during this entire time of the pandemic. Many workers in our
country are from the underground economy (e.g., street vendors, trash collectors, jeepneys, and
tricycle drivers). They are not like the typical income sources, and their jobs are based on the
home per output basis, per given service. As their operations are not in the government's hands
and labor laws can't cover them and are most likely not given a chance to register
in essential social services like SSS and Phil health. (Lorenzo, 2020)

According to Naik (2020), Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the whole globe is dealing with new
challenges. It affects the usage of public transportation. In India, most public transport and rental
service companies suspended their operation, and some people are willing to buy their vehicles
in the future. Different types of public transport used in India are auto-rickshaws, taxis,
railways, and buses. But the biggest challenge in this is how they will maintain social
distancing because the transportation modes are always crowded and infrequent in India.

2.3 Coping Mechanisms of Tricycle Drivers

3.1 Participants
This research, with its IPA approach, manage information most appropriate for small samples.
This study explores each participants' complex experiences, challenges, and coping
mechanisms or strategies to understand these giving elements will be emphasized and
develop into more broad representations. This IPA is an essential methodology for examining
concepts that are intricate (Smith & Osborn, 2014).
This study focuses on tricycle drivers as participants. The researchers defined tricycle drivers as
those who are hardworking and who will ensure the passenger's safety. The sample consisted of
tricycle drivers in their middle age, and some are already senior citizens. The researchers
gathered a selection at tricycle terminal in Guimba, Philippines. Research participants were
contacted through direct visits and asked for their consent to be the study's subject.
Researchers explained what the said study was for, and participants were informed about their
rights and the confidentiality limits. Also, the researchers and participants had a brief initial
conversation to be sympathetic to each other. A formal interview happens once it was all
settled. All interviews were audio-recorded to assist the researchers in transcribing the
messages thoroughly.

3.2 Instrument
The interview is the tool used to gather information. The research instructor carefully reviewed
the guide questions before starting the research to ensure its suitability for the said study and its
results. The researchers asked the respondents in Filipino language queries to be comfortable and
freer to express their feelings and experiences in their every answer. After the process of
interview, researchers begin to start the data collection.

3.3 Procedures
This study has gone through many steps and different processes. Before starting the
interview, the researcher asked for consent and explained what it was for and the
confidentiality limits. After explaining all the essential details, researchers and participants make
a brief conversation to be more comfortable and willingly and freely express their experiences.
The researcher interviews them one by one and ensures the guide questions' accuracy and
suitability to the study and its results. In the individual interviews, the researchers used research
questions to determine respondents' points of view, feelings, and experiences regarding the
study's subject. However, the interviewee also needs a necessary skill and offers some flexibility
to carry an interview to its essential objectives. The researchers assure to transcribe the
respondent's statements precisely. The researchers type the interview transcription precisely what
is said and don't change the meaning. After finishing the interview and the data gathering, the
researchers have now gathered the data about each tricycle driver's experiences, challenges, and
coping mechanisms during the pandemic. Participants' privacy is the most important, and it
should be free of coercion from the research team. Participants should know and understand
that it's voluntary and anytime they can choose not to participate
4. RESULTS
This part of the paper includes the presentation of the result of the respondents' responses. The
respondents' demographic profile shown in Table 1 consists of the age and the years of the
respondents being a tricycle drivers. Ten tricycle drivers living in the Bulacan participated as a
respondent in the study.

The following divisions discuss the outcome of the comprehensive interview conducted by the

researchers.
The result's variations are divided into three categories that tackle the three main themes of
the research: lived experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms of tricycle drivers. Each of
the three categories is divided into subordinate groups according to the participants' responses
supported by their raw and untampered statements. The subordinate group's tabulated frequency
are arranged from the types of the main themes in descending pattern. There are responses
fromthe views of the respondents to support the presentation of the result.

4.1 The Experiences of Tricycle Drivers

Participants shared how their lives have changed since the onset of this pandemic. They told us about the
sudden adjustments they have been making because they need to do extra jobs just for them to be able to
feed their families. The ways they have been coping because of the changes they are experiencing, like
the rarely trips oontricycles and how they're dealing with the uncertainty involving financial problems.
But on the other side, they also pointed out the things they have learned and realized, like the importance
of having quality time and bonding with your loved ones. four subordinate groups in the lived
experiences came from the respondents' statements. The lived experiences that appeared from the
data are the following: family bonding, financial problems, an extra source of income, adjustments.

Most participants stated that their families spend more time together than they usually do

despite the
growing pandemic. They got the time to invest in their personal growth. there are several
themes under positive experiences that emerged from the participants' responses. The festive
themes identified from the data include family bonding, personal growth, and positive emotions.
4.1.1 Family bonding
According to Bleakley (2020), everyone has a hard time over the past several months during the
quarantine, and for parents, it's hard to make their children entertained. But parents say that it's
been a great time to bond with their children and they found some ways to do it like playing
games with their kids, watching movies with them, talking and listening to them and many more
fun activities. One of the respondents stated that their families have positive benefits,
including opportunities for strengthening relationships, finding new hobbies such as planting
plants and vegetables necessary for everyday
living.

"Hmmmmmm….Parang wala kasi nabawasan ang income namin eh! Kaya lang

meron din naman kasi

nakasama mo yungpamilya mo sa bahay and then natuto kami magtanim ng mga gulay-
gulay na mapapakinabangan. Yung mga plants na nasa paso, natuto yung mga anak ko ganon
yung kagandahan.

4.1.2 Financial Problems

Participants had been through negative experiences such as financial problems and fear because
of feeling overwhelmed by what could happen because of the pandemic.
Research participants stated that regardless of the effects of the COVID-19 on their family, the
pandemic has affected and will continue to affect household finances for days to come. They said
that it's tough to plan their everyday living due to theirr financial stability. According to tricycle
driver 2:
"Ayyyy de! Di sapat yun sa pangkain namin, kase kung kumikita kalang ng limang daan isang
araw kulang na kulang na yun sa pang araw-araw namin!"
Tricycle driver eight also shared the same experience. It's hard for him to budget their daily
income for their expenses, mainly because they have children who need support for their
education.
"Ehhhh (tumawa) wala po kasi syempre ano po sobrang hirap kumita ng pera eh. Ehhhhh yung
mga bata naman di naman ahhhh di naman pwede mahinto ng pag- aaral eh. Kaya yung
pumapasok na pera talagang halos kulang na kulang sa pang araw-araw."
He further explained that they experience a shortage in financial terms because there are many
other fees to
pay.

"Wala, kulang na kulang po yon kasi pagkain palang 300 plus na uubusin wala pa

yung pambayad sa
kuryente at tubig." Another participant stated that they're in the middle of financial
problems; besides his child being in college, he got to have a family of his own:
"Sakin pinagkakasya ko lang kasi iyonganak ko college nag-asawa pa! Kargo ko pa! Pat igatas!"
Another participant shared hat if 's r lly in eed, they l ask s e dy for a e whenewhenever's
po ible.

"Ehhhh budget budget nalang, minsan kapag ka talagang bitin

humihiram nalang sa puwedeng

mahiraman." Whether it's unempitsent or out of hand unpredicted emergencies, the growing
pandemic will continue to affect personal and family expenses. This time is not long from
upcoming more days and years; however, with this kind of unusual time, a chance to change and
adjust your short term and long term financial goals to guarantee your soon to be financial
stability (Becu, 2020).

4.2.1 Adjustments to lifestyle changes

Adjusting to change is very challenging because change is inevitable. The way everyone lives is
different and now settling into what seems to be the new normal. Participants described the
interruption of the work routine caused by the pandemic outbreak could result in various
adjustments. According to tricycle driver 1: "Ehhh ano halos bumaba talaga ang kita namin.
Halos kalahati nalang kinikita naming sa per day na dati naming kinikita." He further explained
the big difference between his work experiences before and his work he's encountering Now.
"Ehhhh anoooo ehhhhh, kapagwalang customer talagang mahirap. Kasi samin naman kasi kahit
mainit kaya namin, kahit mainit ang biyahe basta palaging may pasahero! Ang mahirap lang kasi
yung mabibilad ka sa init tapos wala pang ganong pasahero. " Tricycle driver four also shared
her thoughts about their rare trips and the rules that each tricycle drivers are obeying : "Mahirap
kasi ano hindi kagaya dati. Ano magsasawa ka sa pasahero... Pagkikita kang malaki nasa isang
libo ngayon halos wala ka nang kikitain... Ano ang tumal-tumal pa kasi may coding kami ano
odd-even ang biyahe ganun. Hindi kagaya dati napakalakas ng biyahe talaga ngayon sobra
talagang idadaing mo kulang sa budget." Tricycle driver 5 described how they are obeying the
community protocols for the safety of everyone in settling to new normal: "Yun! Tapos ang
sakay namin as in isa lang hindi pwedeng magsakay ng dalawa as in isa lang talaga! Ganun
lang. Tapos syempre kelangan nakasunod ka sa protocol ng mga ano kailangang naka facemask,
faceshield may alcohol ganon. Social distancing atsaka ito yung mga plastic barriers na
nakalagay sa pagitan ng driver saka passenger so yun po. Tiis-tiis lang." Tricycle driver three
bravely shared that being a tricycle driver is not his full-time job: "Ahhhhhhh.... Nung nawalan
ako ng trabaho sa pinapasukan ko ahhhhh..... Nag ano ako, nag-shift ako kung ano yung
paraan para mabuhay ko yung pamilya ko. Naisipan kong magpasada nakilabas kahit
ano..... " Tricycle driver, who is a mother, proudly said that she's doing this to help his husband
who is abroad: "Kaya naring itaguyod (tumawa) kung tutuusin hindi pero kase ang
husband ko nasa Riyadh so nakakatulong! Pantulong ko lang naman yung pamamasada
perosa ibang miyembro naming hirap na hirap sila lalo na yung mga nangungupahan,
pambayad nilang mga bills, ilaw, tubig nila so mahirap yon!"

According to staff therapist, Nutten (2020), the COVID-19 pandemic caused severe and
significant changes to our daily lives, changes that rarely happened to every one of us.
Adjustments to life come with a broad range of understanding and experiences—this kind of
transition of settling to a new normal,is possibly easy but also may be challenging.
4.3.1 Another Source of Income
Many things emain outside of control, most especially when it comes to financial needs. Most
of the participants described o howwey've ststruggled put od on the table; that's why they've
done multiple jobs to support heir daily fe as w l as eet the needs. They work to s vive and
to satisfy their daily demands. According to tricycle driver 8:
"Ahhh.. Yun maganda yung tanong mo kasi nga nagdadrive ako ng rent-a-van! Ahhh... yung
mga ano semi mekaniko marunong din ako niyan! Tapos nag-aayos din ako ng mga lisensya
saka mga rehistro marami akong raket eh!" Tricycle driver who is also a wife of a tricycle driver
proudly shared that sometimes she works as the caller of tricycle terminal and also selling
different sweet foods: "Yun nga kailangan may diskarte ka! Kapag yan kagaya nito kapag yung
ano nagca caller ako! Kapag yung ano naman nagtitinda-tinda ako ng kakanin para madoble
yung kikitain naming kase kung yun lang ang inasahan namin ang biyahe ngayon talagang hindi
kakasya." Tricycle driver 2 also shared that they've done selling some used items:
"Ehhhhh nung nakaraan kasi syempre nagbeta ng gamit ganon! Kung wala, wala naman kasi
kaming biyahe non." For a more significant reason, people are now feeling the pressure on
their budgets as the corcoronavirusreatens our lives and profitability. However, for many, now
is the time to look for new opportunities to earn money to help with our daily bills and
essential needs (MoneyTips, 2020).

5. DISCUSSION

This study aims to answer the general questions about tricycle

rivers' lived experiences amidst the

COVID-19 pandemic. To elaborate on the matter, it was sorted into three themes: tricycle
drivers' experiences, the challenges faced by the tricycle drivers, and the coping
mechanisms used by tricycle drivers despite facing difficulties. Moreover, the findings of
this study were fulfilled by conducting a personal and conversational interview. The
responses from the participants expanded these three significant themes into corresponding
subthemes. The results from the previous chapter will be analyzed and discussed further in this
section. In the results chapter, various experiences, positive and negative, were reported. Most
participants shared how they have been facing difficulties and still have the courage to
continue doing their services despite the uncontrollable pandemic growth to ensure their
child's well-being—bravely risking their lives for their family. Their significant reason is that
they are afraid of the virus but cause they are more fearful of having no food to eat on the
table. These instances were familiar to them. The previous life of being a tricycle driver is hard,
but in today's world with this called new normal makes things even worse than before. Tricycle
drivers experienced low income due to rarely trips because many people don't want to risk their
lives to go outside because of the fear that they might get the virus. Having low income will not
be enough to support their essential daily needs and other expenses. Moreover, given that there's
a pandemic as observed by some participants' answers wherein all individuals don't require to go
outside of their houses, families had the opportunity to have some quality time with each other,
which they could not have done before. Also had a chance, an opportunity wherein this kind of
situation helps them grow better as a person. Participants had been through many struggles.
This pandemic teaches them differently. However, no matter how difficult the situation,
participants still choose to fight and grow for their lives. In terms of challenges the respondents
were facing during the pandemic, it's the adjustments to lifestyle changes and positivity in life.
Adjustments are due to the sudden transition from our everyday daily living to a so so-called
normal. They are practicing social distancing, wearing proper facemasks and face shields, and
tricycle drivers are required to use plastic barriers and provide alcohol for themselves and
ttheirespective passengers. According to them, it is their daily income and daily work routine
before that has a massive difference from now. Furthermore, as from the observations from the
participants, pandemic challenges their positivity in life. Participants shared that because of the
crisis, they became more flexible. Amidst the pandemic, to deal with the difficulties, participants
had the coping mechanisms that help them deal with their battling struggles. Respondents had
another source of income to support their daily needs and other expenses. They take the
responsibility to provide the essentials needed for their family. Each subtheme of this study
collectively served as a glimpse of tricycle drivers' lived experiences during the pandemic. Of
control growth of the pandemic makes the world at ease. The rage of Coronavirus has stopped
the
world. The onset of the pandemic was enormous, but life went on.

6. CONCLUSION
According to the research findings, tricycle drivers experiencepandemicsc andandfects that
teach them things that they must do if it happens again. They also faced challenges and
difficulties brought by the pandemic and created their ways to deal with it. They also learn
different coping mechanisms during the pandemic that helped them adjust and face the COVID-
19 pandemic properly. Moreover, by that, they survive and sustain their lives even if there is a
pandemic. Furthermore, the study recommends that the national government and local
government units join forces and acknowledge tricycle drivers' needs, usually in this situation.
They should provide assistance or programs that may help our tricycle drivers to cope in their
lives. Create plans that will help them become creative and resourceful that will give them an
extra income. The tricycle drivers do not only depend on the government. Take action and find
ways like finding a different job or additional income source like online selling which is very
popular nowadays. They may also put some creativity and gimmicks on their tricycle, like
putting snacks inside and selling them to the passengers do not get bored. Sometimes in life, we
need some creativity and passion so that we can have a better life. We should also be the one
who controls our life and does not let the problems and circumstances prevent us. Thus, this
research's findings and results serve as the baseline for future studies regarding tricycle drivers'
lives during the pandemic. Future studies may also dig deeper into the situations and lives of our
tricycle drivers.