The Quezon City local government in partnership with Lalamove has launched LalaJeep, the latest addition to the latter’s fleet which will cater to the delivery needs of QC residents and help jeepney drivers who were displaced by the general community quarantine (GCQ) enforced against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
With thousands of jeepney drivers in Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte said the income from LalaJeep would be a big help to those who will sign up.
“This LalaJeep will be a great support not just for jeepney drivers but also for small businesses.”
“Since our jeepney drivers are directly affected by the continuing community quarantine, this LalaJeep program is a welcome initiative which will provide alternative livelihood for them. We are grateful to Lalamove for piloting this program in Quezon City,” said Belmonte.
The program will also provide a more affordable option for business owners who are heavily reliant on the delivery app for the delivery of their products.
Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (SBCDPO) Head Mona Yap shared how LalaJeep will also help businesses in their logistics.
“As many businesses are transitioning to online which demands delivery services, this LalaJeep will be a great support not just for jeepney drivers but also for small businesses,” Belmonte said.
Around 200 jeepney drivers have signed up to be part of the LalaJeep fleet.
Dannah Majarocon, the Managing Director of Lalamove Philippines said: “This project is aligned with Lalamove’s goal to empower communities and uplift the livelihood of those who are heavily affected by the pandemic. This will allow our services better to suit every business owner and day-to-day user’s delivery needs. This project is a testament that with governmental support, we can deliver possibilities faster.”
The Task Force on Transportation and Traffic Management (TFTTM) will screen and assist in the registration of the jeepney drivers while the SBCDPO shall facilitate group training sessions for their jeepney driver constituents, to enable them to understand and navigate the delivery app.
During the preparation of the launch, around 200 jeepney drivers have signed up to be part of the LalaJeep fleet.
With the alternative source of income, both the Quezon City local government and Lalamove hope that the LalaJeep project will help keep jeepney drivers afloat until they are allowed by the national government to ply their respective routes.