Wesleyan University Philippines (WUP) recently reconvened with the presidents of the Tricycle Drivers and Operators Association (TODA) serving communities around its Cushman Campus, in a renewed effort to deepen collaboration with this vital sector of the school community.

The meeting was led by Dr. Eufemia C. Ayro, Director of the Wesleyan External Systems, Connections, Opportunities, and Partnerships (WESCOP), formerly known as the Wesleyan Community Outreach Program Office.

In attendance were Mr. Edwin Pascual, TODA President, and Mr. Manrey Mana, as well as Mr. Edmond B. Concepcion, Barangay Councilor of Brgy. San Arcadia. Representing the university were Dr. Juanito Leabres Jr., Director of the Office of Instruction and concurrent Director of the WUP Center for Lifelong Learning, and WESCOP staff members, Mr. Christian DG. Navarro and Dr. Antonio Tiglao, and other team members.

This meeting was part of an ongoing series of engagements that reflects WUP’s commitment to the tricycle drivers who serve students, parents, and faculty in and around the campus. Central to this commitment was the TRIKE UPLIFT Project — Tricycle Riders Initiative for Knowledge and Empowerment by Uplifting Partnerships for Livelihood, Inclusion, Family Well-Being, and Training. This flagship program was launched under the leadership of University President Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro Jr., whose vision recognizes tricycle drivers as an integral but often overlooked part of the WUP community.

Since TRIKE UPLIFT’s inception, Dr. Alvaro has engaged in meaningful “kapihan” (coffee-table) meetings, where he listened to tricycle operators from Magsaysay Sur, Mabini Extension, and other areas. These conversations revealed their dreams, inspirations, and the real-life challenges they face day to day.

In a unique gesture of solidarity and appreciation, Dr. Alvaro also composed a song dedicated to the tricycle drivers, celebrating their invaluable role in the community and the daily lives of the university’s stakeholders. As part of the initiative, WUP facilitated the enrollment of the drivers and operators into PhilHealth Konsulta, giving them access to a wide range of health services. In addition, a medical mission was held, providing routine lab work and medical consultations—reinforcing that health is a top priority.

During the recent meeting, WUP reaffirmed its commitment: the University will continue and expand programs in health, financial literacy, livelihood training, and other essential skills, working hand-in-hand with local government units (LGUs) as well as both government and non-government agencies. These collaborations are designed not just to support, but to empower tricycle drivers — helping them flourish in their work and in their lives.

The TRIKE UPLIFT Project aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive and sustainable growth for tricycle drivers and their families. By providing access to healthcare through PhilHealth Konsulta and medical missions, the program contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Its livelihood trainings, financial literacy programs, and skills development initiatives support SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by empowering drivers with tools for sustainable income. Through engagement with the local community and partnerships with government and non-government agencies, TRIKE UPLIFT fosters SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, ensuring that transportation services remain safe, inclusive, and beneficial to all stakeholders. Overall, the program embodies holistic community development, reflecting WUP’s commitment to social responsibility and equitable growth.
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About Cabanatuan City: The Tricycle Capital
Cabanatuan City, home to Wesleyan University Philippines’ Cushman Campus, is widely known as the “Tricycle Capital of the Philippines” due to the exceptionally large number of tricycles operating throughout the city—estimated at more than 30,000 registered units. These tricycles have become the backbone of local mobility, especially in areas not covered by larger transportation systems.

With their essential role comes challenges: traffic congestion due to high tricycle density, environmental concerns, safety risks, and fare inconsistencies, as identified by various transport and urban studies. Despite these issues, tricycle drivers remain indispensable to the daily movement of students, workers, families, and local residents.

Articles and photos by Juanito C. Leabres, Jr.