The launching of “Joy Ride 2020 Awards Program”, facilitated by the Multi-Sectoral Governance Coalition (MSGC), is a positive signal for SEDP Simbag SA Pag-Asenso Inc., to extend its help to the tricycle drivers as well as their families.

Details of the awards program were presented during the press conference on February 11, 2016 held in Seminar Rm. A, Cathedral Pastoral Center, Cathedral Compound, Albay District, Legazpi City.  The activity was attended by representatives from different sectors.

“I think the diocese of Legazpi can help in this program by offering loans to the tricycle drivers through SEDP microfinance as support  to fund their other livelihoods” Rev. Fr. Rex Paul B. Arjona said,  Executive Director of Social Action Center- Diocese of Legazpi.

“We can offer them membership in micro- insurance through SEDP MBA or give Personality Development Trainings and Values Formation,” he added.

SEDP can also give enterprise trainings for the tricycle drivers and their wives; facilitate SSS contributions and avail of other value added services as well.

“Engaging in this program is one of the strategies of the SEDP-Operations to increase outreach by extending help to the tricycle drivers.” Isidro Banzuela said, SEDP Operations Officer for Albay Operations Group.

“Tricycle Operator Drivers Association (TODA) can be clients for Special Loan Window (an Individual Loan program of SEDP Simbag SA Pag-Asenso Inc.,) especially in second district of Albay where tricycle drivers are so many.” He added.

At present, SEDP Operations, and SEDP MBA will coordinate with the TODA officers to make this possible.

Joy ride 2020 awards program will recognize the achievements of tricycle drivers who can be nominated by anyone.  All nominees will be validated and evaluated by the sub-committee using the criteria pertaining to the attitudes of the drivers towards work, passengers and self, that should have a notable impact on the city’s vision.

This initiative of the MSGC aims to support the thrust of the local government of Albay to be in the top 5 convention destination in the country by year 2020.