Photograph by: Kristine Mae Balanay
As the price of fuel hits double-digit, a jeepney driver drove his path in finding new earning alternatives amid its increase.
Raymundo Matugas is a 47-year old jeepney driver from Dasmariñas, Cavite. Being the provider of his family, he is one of those vehicle owners who are negatively affected by the fuel price hike.
‘’’Yung kita na kinikita ko sa pamamasada mas napupunta pa iyon sa [pambayad ng] gas, kaya maliit na ‘yung nauuwi kong kita para sa pang budget namin sa araw-araw,” he said.
(English translation: The money I am earning from driving goes more to [paying] the gas, hence only a small portion goes for our everyday budget.)
For an ordinary man who mainly relies on his income from driving, he became worried in the following days that he might not be able to put food on the table and fill his family’s stomachs.
"This turn of events even tested him to the point that he almost got tempted to abandon his principles for his family.
‘’Nakapulot ako noon ng wallet na may lamang 10k. Noong una, hindi ko sana isasauli [sa may-ari] dahil nga maliit ang kita sa pag-drive kaya nagdadalawang isip akong ibalik, pero ‘yon, binalik ko pa rin at sobra pa ang natanggap ko,” he added.
(English translation: I found a wallet with 10 thousand pesos inside before. At first, I had thought of not returning it [to the owner] because of my small earnings in driving, that’s why I was hesitant to give it back, but still, I returned it and I was even blessed more.)
Despite the difficulties to thrive in life, he still possessed integrity within himself that was even rewarded by the owner of the wallet.
Truly, he has proven how he can withstand the challenge of having insufficient income by selling soaps on the streets and accepting the sidelines as a company driver to earn money.
Throughout his 27-year journey as a jeepney driver, he has always been grateful for the blessings they received. Even though he experienced the very edge and narrows of life, he always chooses to look on the brighter side—filled with hopes and dreams for a better future.
Raymundo’s story gives us a glimpse of what it is like to be a father and a jeepney driver amid the increasing price of fuel. For a father who is always after the welfare of his family, it will never be a hindrance to fulfilling his responsibility.
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