Thousands of public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers in Pampanga are alarmed by the suspension of public transport following the imposed Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
Various transport groups here now calls for government assistance mainly food subsidies from Governor Delta Pineda.
Drivers, dispatchers and callers who depend on daily earnings are left in fear of hunger in the next coming weeks.
In Mabalacat City, a 54-year old driver named Manny plying the route Angeles-Dau-Mabalacat said his family has almost consumed their goods leaving only less than 3-kilos of rice and a few cans of sardines.
“Nakikipamasada lang po ako, eh pagmamaneho lang ang alam kong gawin. Mangungutang na lang muna siguro kami sa mga kakilala namin. Wala naman akong ibang mapasukan na sideline ngayon, stay at home daw sabi nila,” Manny said.
Unconfirmed reports have it the enhanced community quarantine will take two to three months. If this will drag on for months, members of the transport group will be severely affected, according to jeepney drivers.