Riders brave risks to deliver more packages as Christmas draws near

DJ Loyola carefully strapped piles of boxes and parcels at the back of his motorcycle. He would hit the road again and wants to make as many deliveries as he can, especially during the holiday season.

A delivery service courier, more packages mean good news to Loyola who usually receives P500 per day in his job. He earns an additional P5 incentive, however, for every parcel he would deliver beyond 50.

“Pag marami pong parcel dun po kikita,” he said. (The more parcels, the more earnings I will get.)

But his day’s worth will not fully go to his family, Loyola said. He usually spends P200 a  day for fuel and food.

“Labas na po yung pagkain tsaka pang-gas,” he added. (I need to deduct my expenses for food and gas.)

Delivery rider Nestor Libungan Jr. echoed Loyola's story. To earn more, he said his wife joined him in the delivery service.  They work alternately for 12 hours every day.

“Di na po kami kumakain minsan eh. Tokneneng lang. Ganon ho ang buhay ng courier,” said Libungan. (We don’t eat sometimes. Just a snack. That’s how our life is.)

With the workers’ susceptibility to road accidents and bogus transactions, at least ten proposed legislations were filed in Congress to ensure the safety of those employed in the industry.

The delivery riders expressed hope the bills would be passed, saying the road may be dangerous but it provides for their livelihood.

“Tsaka pag gusto mo yung ginagawa mo, kahit nakakapagod. Tsaka may pamilya ka rin na binubuhay eh,” said delivery rider Jay. (If you love what you're doing, you'll continue no matter how tiring it gets. And besides, we have families to support.)—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News