Displaced 58-year-old jeepney driver finds hope in new delivery service job

Since jeepneys are still prohibited to operate under the general community quarantine, a driver has found another way to earn a living by using his jeepney to transport items for a delivery service app.

Lauro Paredes, 58, a jeepney driver for three decades, is now working for a delivery service to earn income for his family.

In a “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” episode on Sunday, Lauro admitted that he found it difficult to use the navigation app, so he relies on his own sense of direction.

His own vehicle

Lauro used to be a company driver. But after saving up enough money, he bought his own jeepney in 1999.

“Sa jeepney driver, kailangan masipag ka. (If you’re a jeepney driver, you must be hardworking.),” he said.

Despite the hardships, Lauro continued to work day in and day out.

Through his hard work and sacrifice, Lauro’s son Miguel was able to finish his studies.

Challenges

Lauro lost his income when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the country and public transportation had to be suspended.

Fortunately, he came across the opportunity to apply as a driver for a delivery service app.

“Alin ba ang gusto mo, ‘yung mamatay ka sa virus, sa sakit, o mamatay ka sa gutom (Would you rather die of the virus or out of hunger)?” he said.

“Kasi ’ka ko, gano’n din eh. Pag maka-survive ka nga sa virus, mamamatay ka naman sa gutom (Because like I said, it’s the same thing. Even if you survive the virus, you might die of hunger).”

He added: “Pero sabi ko nga sa mga anak ko, survival. Kung anong makita na oportunidad na puwedeng pagkakitaan, i-grab lang. (But I tell my children that it’s about survival. Whatever opportunity we see, we should grab it.).”

With the looming jeepney modernization program, he feared that he would lose his income.

Purchasing a modern jeepney unit could cost several hundred thousand pesos, even a million.

Blessings

When Lauro picked up items from a customer, a resident, Chammy Jalique, saw him and was delighted with him.

“Nakita ko siya bumaba ng jeep. Talagang nakangiti siya. Pagkakuha niya ng item, pinicturan ko siya kasi ang saya-saya ng itsura niya (I saw him get down from his jeep. He was smiling. When he got the item, I took a picture of him because he looked really happy),” she shared. “Sa sobrang tuwa ko, pinost ko ‘yung pictures na ‘yun (I was so overjoyed, I posted the photos online)!

Chammy’s post went viral. Many reached out to Lauro to offer help and give donations.

The KMJS team also extended help to Lauro to get his jeepney fixed.

Lauro is one of few lucky individuals who have received blessings amid the pandemic. But others might not have the same opportunities. — Kaela Malig/RC/LA, GMA News

For those who want to help Mang Lauro and his family, please deposit to:

BDO
000251336948
SHIELA MAE AQUINO