3 Wheelers

[kitsons]

I am not sure if they can do something when they are seen riding in one. A Morning talk show speculates that Roxas may be riding in a "pedicab" as he goes to church for his wedding tomorrow. Looks like a populist/political stunt intended to solicit support from urban poor.

The Philippines should have enjoyed NIC-hood status 30 years ago! We'll its never to late.

La kasing affordable alternative para sa cannot afford the standard vehicles kaya hit sa marami sa B-, C and D economic sector for their mode of transport specially in going about their livelihood.

Kuliglig dumadami coz building one is definitely a lot cheaper than buying a motorbike and building the standard tricycle sidecar.

[ehnriko]

The rise of the Kuligligs is only but a natural effect from the obvious causes.

Firstly, Nobody can claim that these 'below the poverty line' class cannot do it simply because -it is technically legal.

Secondly, these people are better off building and driving these contraptions than throwing stones or robbing and looting other people. It is a matter of fact - a blessing to see the masses actually doing something to survive and empower themselves.

Thirdly, We drive cars with HID beams and Loud Horns... oh yes, there is also the rectangular pedal in front of us - It's called Brakes. They are there to be used. The Strong Headlamps are installed in our cars for us to see them... The Strong Horns are there for us to Give them a signal that we are coming and they have to stay on the extreme right hand side of the road - or the left side wherever is realistically and relatively safer. The Brakes are there so we can stop in case it's ever needed. However, we can always steer clear off these road objects you know... thats what the steering wheel is for. And the pedal on the right is meant for us to go and just pass on or move on - no need to display our social status by barking at those lowly kuliglig drivers... unless you want to vent off little steam sometimes... and going down to their level. Otherwise known as punishing yourself for the fault of others. I am not excempted from this.

I used to bark and growl at these ambulant road objects before... but after talking with people who come from these levels of society - after hearing what they said... that they are better off doing this than stealing or doing crime in order to survive... it made sense.

The Kuliglig is in fact a manifestation of the spirit of the poor Pinoys who are striving and fighting to empower themselves in these hard times.

If I am President, I would not tax these people, but I will require them to have reflectorized stickers, an electrical system of some sort in order to make them illuminated at night.. and an LTO program to educate these drivers how to drive in mainroads as well as basic road courtesy, safety and survival. Let the Big Companies use them as their advertising billboards...(now this is MY idea - before you even think of using this - you need to ask my permission - you heard it first here - it's Copyrighted). I have a design for this but I was asked to keep it private muna... if you want to see it, you need to have an account in youtube and add me as friend so you can view it. Gullible am I?... not really, just generous enough to share of what I have in abundance. After all, I cant bring it with me in my grave.

[architect]

Secondly, these people are better off building and driving these contraptions than throwing stones or robbing and looting other people. It is a matter of fact - a blessing to see the masses actually doing something to survive and empower themselves.

I hate to disagree, but it is not actually an either or situation. It does not logically follow if a poor person is not building one of these monstrous contraptions, he will automatically be doing criminal stuff. There are countless other legal revenue generating activities they can indulge in.

It is bad enough tricycle drivers not only lack discipline but are totally insensitive (oblivious might be a better term) to the chaos and problems they are generating. But at least most tricycles have lights and move faster. The kuligligs simply bring the problem down to a worse level. I have seen some swerve suddenly onto oncoming traffic, expecting the poor driver to be able to stop on time. Most simply hug the road, even major roads like A. Bonifacio leading to Balintawak or even MacArthur Highway. Somehow the kuliglig operators tend to have a mindset even worse than the tricycle drivers'. Perhaps it is because they tend to be younger and poorer and more used to anarchy.

If the upsurge of kuligligs is not controlled soon, we will inevitably reach a tipping point where legislation won't help. Even secondary roads will suffer gridlock. Their rise is not a natural effect but more from the lack of law implementation. Progression is natural. Retrogression is not. Their rise is rather the manifestation of everything wrong in our local infrastructure.

But then you might be right. After all the kuliglig is the progression/retrogression of the tricycle. The emergence of the tricycle was/is a major setback in terms of progress and development. It is bad enough tricycles have become so ingrained in our society that corporates and politicians have taken to them as literal advertising vehicles for the masses as they have with just about all forms of public transportation - buses, jeepneys, and taxis. Signs of the times brought to you in chaotic movement, if you will.

Since the kuliglig is a poorer version of the tricycle, it can be viewed as the natural progression of the tricycle and is merely following the (negative) trend set by the latter. So in a way, it is a natural progression. But when you think of it in this manner, you can't but help pity our country. Because the conclusion then is retrogression has become the natural progression for us.

[jpdm]

I hate to disagree, but it is not actually an either or situation. It does not logically follow if a poor person is not building one of these monstrous contraptions, he will automatically be doing criminal stuff. There are countless other legal revenue generating activities they can indulge in.

It is bad enough tricycle drivers not only lack discipline but are totally insensitive (oblivious might be a better term) to the chaos and problems they are generating. But at least most tricycles have lights and move faster. The kuligligs simply bring the problem down to a worse level. I have seen some swerve suddenly onto oncoming traffic, expecting the poor driver to be able to stop on time. Most simply hug the road, even major roads like A. Bonifacio leading to Balintawak or even MacArthur Highway. Somehow the kuliglig operators tend to have a mindset even worse than the tricycle drivers'. Perhaps it is because they tend to be younger and poorer and more used to anarchy.

If the upsurge of kuligligs is not controlled soon, we will inevitably reach a tipping point where legislation won't help. Even secondary roads will suffer gridlock. Their rise is not a natural effect but more from the lack of law implementation. Progression is natural. Retrogression is not. Their rise is rather the manifestation of everything wrong in our local infrastructure.

But then you might be right. After all the kuliglig is the progression/retrogression of the tricycle. The emergence of the tricycle was/is a major setback in terms of progress and development. It is bad enough tricycles have become so ingrained in our society that corporates and politicians have taken to them as literal advertising vehicles for the masses as they have with just about all forms of public transportation - buses, jeepneys, and taxis. Signs of the times brought to you in chaotic movement, if you will.

Since the kuliglig is a poorer version of the tricycle, it can be viewed as the natural progression of the tricycle and is merely following the (negative) trend set by the latter. So in a way, it is a natural progression. But when you think of it in this manner, you can't but help pity our country. Because the conclusion then is retrogression has become the natural progression for us.

Agree with this.

We need to control them. Its not an excuse that they are poor. There are countless ways in order to survive and not just drive a moving disaster on the roads. We have to consider also the other users of crucial public goods like passengers, pedetrians and other motorists.

These contraptions are a bunch of hazards. The drievrs of these dont follow any sort of law and order. Pag nasagi sila pa unang maglalabas ng tubo.

I mean, can we not put some orders in our roads. I admit, and base on the numerous studies that I have read, we can rid of jeepneys and tricycles from the Philippine transport system. Thats why, we are here in the design thread to at least suggest and perhaps build better versions of them.

These tricycle for instance, I believe given proper funding and some arm twisiting from the government, TODAs can be compelled to follow certain standard sf for future members. Force them to only admit new tricycle operators using new configurations (like the Chinese tricars).

Padyaks, kuligligs and those motorized padyaks should not service main roads.

With this we can build a more efficient and respectable auto industry at the very least tricycle fabricators. Blaze and MCX, these local companies should at least collaborate with tricycle cab manufacturers to build modern, efficient, safe, high quality AND AFFORDABLE tricycles.

[kitsons]

Agree with this.

We need to control them. Its not an excuse that they are poor. There are countless ways in order to survive and not just drive a moving disaster on the roads. We have to consider also the other users of crucial public goods like passengers, pedetrians and other motorists.

These contraptions are a bunch of hazards. The drievrs of these dont follow any sort of law and order. Pag nasagi sila pa unang maglalabas ng tubo.

I mean, can we not put some orders in our roads. I admit, and base on the numerous studies that I have read, we can rid of jeepneys and tricycles from the Philippine transport system. Thats why, we are here in the design thread to at least suggest and perhaps build better versions of them.

These tricycle for instance, I believe given proper funding and some arm twisiting from the government, TODAs can be compelled to follow certain standard sf for future members. Force them to only admit new tricycle operators using new configurations (like the Chinese tricars).

Padyaks, kuligligs and those motorized padyaks should not service main roads.

With this we can build a more efficient and respectable auto industry at the very least tricycle fabricators. Blaze and MCX, these local companies should at least collaborate with tricycle cab manufacturers to build modern, efficient, safe, high quality AND AFFORDABLE tricycles.

Firstly, the kuligligs, tricycles and pedicabs are not allowed by law to enter main thoroughfares.

Secondly, perhaps this is why we are here.

It is so easy to put an extension to the belt for an alternator, perhaps even a small dynamo used for bike lights may do efficiently when attached to the drive belt of the kuligiglig and connected perhaps to a regulator for charging rechargeable batteries. Siguro even a bunch of the d cell type may do enough for lights and sound system.

We really have to come up with an affordable alternative for micro businesses.

Being a bunch of hazards perhaps maybe better than being a bunch of dangerous thugs who have had less opportunity to eke a more morally legal means of earning a living.

The kuligligs in fact has done good service in Divisoria thaqt perhaps one day the trucks clogging up the small side streets of the "bagsakan" there may be serviced by the kuligligs that the trucks can park perhaps in the are near R 10.

If we could come up with our own alternative to the kuligligs, can you imagine the market of practically all subdivisions being serviced by ouor alternative to the kuliglig as passenger and cargo carrier.

[ghosthunter]

It is so easy to put an extension to the belt for an alternator, perhaps even a small dynamo used for bike lights may do efficiently when attached to the drive belt of the kuligiglig and connected perhaps to a regulator for charging rechargeable batteries. Siguro even a bunch of the d cell type may do enough for lights and sound system.

You don't have to go that far from "the box" to look for your battery solution. Motorcycle batteries would be compact enough and have more than enough stored power for such typical requires such as lights, etc.

[jpdm]

Firstly, the kuligligs, tricycles and pedicabs are not allowed by law to enter main thoroughfares.

Secondly, perhaps this is why we are here.

It is so easy to put an extension to the belt for an alternator, perhaps even a small dynamo used for bike lights may do efficiently when attached to the drive belt of the kuligiglig and connected perhaps to a regulator for charging rechargeable batteries. Siguro even a bunch of the d cell type may do enough for lights and sound system.

We really have to come up with an affordable alternative for micro businesses.

Being a bunch of hazards perhaps maybe better than being a bunch of dangerous thugs who have had less opportunity to eke a more morally legal means of earning a living.

The kuligligs in fact has done good service in Divisoria thaqt perhaps one day the trucks clogging up the small side streets of the "bagsakan" there may be serviced by the kuligligs that the trucks can park perhaps in the are near R 10.

If we could come up with our own alternative to the kuligligs, can you imagine the market of practically all subdivisions being serviced by ouor alternative to the kuliglig as passenger and cargo carrier.

The guy who came up with the 4 wheeler vehicle using the same engine used by kuliglig have already came up with a more "acceptable design." The dimension is similar with the tricycle and the driver sits in front together with the passenger. Check this.

introducing The HOY! by prowler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KNDGOhfolE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuqNoVctLmk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSH7YQjLQ8g

That's it! this pinoy car will be named "The HOY! Spirit"
catchy eh?

He said he will come up with a better version.

[architect]

Being a bunch of hazards perhaps maybe better than being a bunch of dangerous thugs who have had less opportunity to eke a more morally legal means of earning a living.

*kitsons, I am surprised you are buying into this twisted logic. Again, it is not an either or situation. It does not necessarily follow that if they don't engage in the kuliglig business they will automatically become thugs. That's akin to saying that if you don't go to college you will automatically go to jail. Obviously that is a possible consequence albeit a stretch. It is one of several possibilities albeit a ridiculous assumption at best.

If they can afford to be in the kuliglig business, then chances are they can afford a whole range of other opportunities. It is just a matter of perseverance. To believe their only alternative is to be a thug is similar to agreeing with the jeepney driver who rationalizes his lack of discipline by saying he is just poor and deserves to drive recklessly because he needs to meet his boundary. Don't tell me you agree with such kind of rationalization? Do you?

[ehnriko]

Equipped with more knowledge, definitely - we will be more aware of the natural moral law which drives us to exercise prudence and in spite of an adverse condition - will remain steadfast to our moral path and remain into a upright lifestyle.

But this is not the case in the areas where the poorest of the poor thrives.

The Kuliglig is a symbol of empowerment to these marginalized sector of society.

The privincial kuliglig makes use of a hand tractor with a much longer wheelbase - making it a more stable configuration... however, both kuliglig concept vehicles share the same hazard potential for the average motorist.

Controlling the proliferation of these form of transport needs to be defined further.

These contraptions and it's owners only need a program to follow. But who will take the initiative? Definitely - we cannot expect something from the Government. We have a poor government... except for the people inside. Ironical - but what can come out of a poor government?...

The Recent Ondoy experience clearly shows the government is really poor... only 38 Rubber boats? - DCC needs to manage 1770 islands... almost all Senators has no less than P100M in their pockets. Ironical isn't it?

If these Kuliglig should improve in terms of safety and design/ cosmetic standards... it can only come from the private sector.

Since more Pinoys are more civilized - utilizing NGO's is the best way to attack the problem.

It just popped in my head... during the Ondoys' rampage, Only the Kuligligs were left running in the streets of Manila. Delivering human, good and other services, And nobody seems to take notice of this. Besides... last year, during November 1st, Araw ng mga patay... These Kuligligs are going from Manila to any point in Luzon. Carrying a whole family with their stuff. This site reminds me of the Black and White Pics of America during the Great Depression.

The only difference is... Pinoys can still afford to smile in spite of....

[architect]

These Kuligligs are going from Manila to any point in Luzon. Carrying a whole family with their stuff. This site reminds me of the Black and White Pics of America during the Great Depression.

Ugh...there is something to be said about the state of affairs of our land if its present-day conditions can remind us of one of the worst times of the U.S. almost a century ago. It is indeed quite depressing.

[ehnriko]

I guess we are in a state of depression... however, the Pinoys inborn resilience might be buffering the effect somehow.

Considering that Cavite City was the Richest City in Asia in 1963 - it's now a 4th level downsized city. A Historian told me Rizal based Noli Me Tangere from Cavite City.

Considering that 100 years ago, we are comparable to Madrid...

And now... we are regarded Respectively as a Third World... from a Rich Colonial state... 2nd only to Japan... To a Commonwealth Us State, to a New Republic to then to a Revolutionary state... now a Nation of Servants... I guess the trend is going down indeed.

But of course, everything that goes down - will come up later.

The question is... did we hit rock bottom yet? Or are we still going to see the worse to come?

The prosperity experienced by Binondo, Esclota, Ortigas, Makati, Alabang, and the like is marginal... in fact too marginal.

More people are less empowered everyday... the educational standard is also in a similar trend... The Value system of those who are in power is no different with those who are in less power. Those are are subjects are seemingly indifferent and apathetic of what is happening around them.

I think I better stop thinking about it... it's depressing already.

Just passed by a sign board of a small Tricycle Body building shop... P4T down you can already bring home a new motorbike of your own choice with a new sidecar.

How easy it is to own a tricycle... makes the problem really much worse. :-(

[kitsons]

*kitsons, I am surprised you are buying into this twisted logic. Again, it is not an either or situation. It does not necessarily follow that if they don't engage in the kuliglig business they will automatically become thugs. That's akin to saying that if you don't go to college you will automatically go to jail. Obviously that is a possible consequence albeit a stretch. It is one of several possibilities albeit a ridiculous assumption at best.

If they can afford to be in the kuliglig business, then chances are they can afford a whole range of other opportunities. It is just a matter of perseverance. To believe their only alternative is to be a thug is similar to agreeing with the jeepney driver who rationalizes his lack of discipline by saying he is just poor and deserves to drive recklessly because he needs to meet his boundary. Don't tell me you agree with such kind of rationalization? Do you?

You missed the point that the kuligligs are the mode of transport for doing business and without them many of the down line people inbolved in the businesses where kuliglig operates would lie idle and so they say that idleness is the devil's workshop and certainly with the number of kuligligs used at present, certainly a number of these 'kapit sa patalim' existence of those depending on their present kuliglig related jobs would certailnly kakapit more to the patalim.

[jpdm]

Are we referring to the kuligligs of farming communities or those darn kuligligs of Balintawak or Metro.


Ok lang ang kuliglig metro as long as they put some sense to the design. Ang sama na ng itsura wala man lang konting safety features. ilaw ba sa likot? stoplight or headlight. side view or rear view mirror? May preno ba yan?

[architect]

You missed the point that the kuligligs are the mode of transport for doing business and without them many of the down line people inbolved in the businesses where kuliglig operates would lie idle and so they say that idleness is the devil's workshop and certainly with the number of kuligligs used at present, certainly a number of these 'kapit sa patalim' existence of those depending on their present kuliglig related jobs would certailnly kakapit more to the patalim.

To assume that the kuliglig downline will lie idle without the presence of the kuliglig is to conclude that there are no other livelihood options left for them, when in fact, there are so many others.

To assume that the kuliglig downline will resort to a criminal life without the presence of the kuliglig is to discount the fact there are indeed several other viable means of transportation for them.

Being the case, I don't see any point that I might be missing. My reaction to such fallacies would be similar to the one that I might have on hearing a hold-upper rationalize his actions by saying "sorry I am doing this because kuligligs have been banned."

[ehnriko]

The Kuligligs of the Province...

A Much Longer Wheelbase, fully articulated steering system - Front wheel Drive.

The Long wheelbase is ok in these areas and it also keeps the hand tractor in tact. The Carriage is ornamented and is technically a tractor drawn cart.

The Narrow 2 wheel front drive is technically considered a single wheel in front lay-out. - technically making this still in the 3 - wheel vehicle category.

Mobility in any form - is indeed - Nobility. And for the people in this class of society, having one creates a secured lifeline.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fhednixvog"]YouTube - 1HP Front Wheel Drive Pinoy Jeepney[/ame]

[architect]

*kitsons,

Tricycles are what I would term in an oxymoronic way, moving shackles. They are shackles that tether the drivers to poverty. They only allow the drivers to survive on a daily basis but not to rise above poverty. Practically all the drivers I have talked to admitted they were in no better financial shape than when they first started. A bad day or a family emergency usually sets them back to the point where they have to borrow money. Of those who were able to improve their lot, it was because of external assistance. You can also refer to the research papers by NGOs and international lending institutions that I have on occasion disseminated to the group.

A motorcycle is an enabling mobility for the poor. A private tricycle is an enabling mobility. But tricycles for hire are not the livelihood panacea for the poor as commonly perceived. If they were so, perhaps the country’s second oldest bank would still be in operation today. (Of course, the allegations regarding its bankruptcy, while openly discussed in coffee shops then, were never formally proven one way or another. AFAIK.) Sadly, in addition, tricycles are also a major cause of both noise and air pollution, as well as traffic gridlock all over the country.

Now, let’s take the kuliglig. It is admittedly a cheaper bastardized adaptation of the tricycle for the poorer of the poor. While it can be considered an enabling mobility (for private use), its range is realistically limited. Thus its role as an enabler, is therefore limited, either for specific situations or in significance.

Now if you are saying the kuliglig has the potential to play the public transportation role of the tricycle for the C & D classes, think again. What kind of infrastructure will it have? The same as that of the tricycle? If tricycle drivers have proven to be unmanageable, lack simple discipline, and disobey traffic laws wantonly, do you honestly think kuliglig operators will be better? And for what? The kuliglig will not lift them out of poverty. If the tricycle wasn’t able to, what makes you think the kuliglig will, being the inferior, less capable contraption that it realistically is.

If the tricycle has functioned as a band-aid that stops the (daily) bleeding of the poor but not cure the wound, the kuliglig will function as a contaminated band-aid that may stop the daily bleeding but at the same time seriously infect the wound.

[kitsons]

To assume that the kuliglig downline will lie idle without the presence of the kuliglig is to conclude that there are no other livelihood options left for them, when in fact, there are so many others.

To assume that the kuliglig downline will resort to a criminal life without the presence of the kuliglig is to discount the fact there are indeed several other viable means of transportation for them.

Being the case, I don't see any point that I might be missing. My reaction to such fallacies would be similar to the one that I might have on hearing a hold-upper rationalize his actions by saying "sorry I am doing this because kuligligs have been banned."

A priest whose advocav=cy was to help the poor advice me before he died that never try to expect more from what a simple poor person is accustomed to doing. If you try to educate a samalamig vendor to something to do something else, prepare yourself for failure... they do not have enough aptitude in them to have them change the ways of earning livelihood than what they've set their minds and taken as a way of life.

The name of the well known priest who stated the Dambanang Kawayan in Pateros have been working for decades with the poor and have had so much heart aches in trying to lift up their standard of living.

Perhaps this condition is why the generation of Moses did not enter the promise land but it was the generation after who as children were trained to being free men entered the promise land.

Same thing with our impoverished Filipino majority... they are shackled with the way they have been programed to live in their mindset and lifestyle that trying to get a vegetable, fish and other vendors and cargo handlers who often uses the kuliglig would be impossible to teach another way of earning their livelihood.

[architect]

Haaay kitson, that is exactly why some people accuse the Catholic Church of keeping the poor poor. It is not coincidental that practically all of the followers of TV evangelists and cults are poor, half-educated mis-informed people.

If I weren't raised Catholic I doubt very much if I would convert to Catholicism. But since I believe there is but one God, it does not really matter which religion I believe in. But before you debate me on religion, let's just focus on 3-wheelers instead to keep the peace, okay?

Better yet, let's eb again. I do miss your sharp rebuttals on all sorts of topics. My treat, of course. After all, you are my favorite First Quarter Storm activist veteran.

[kitsons]

*kitsons,

Tricycles are what I would term in an oxymoronic way, moving shackles. They are shackles that tether the drivers to poverty. They only allow the drivers to survive on a daily basis but not to rise above poverty. Practically all the drivers I have talked to admitted they were in no better financial shape than when they first started. A bad day or a family emergency usually sets them back to the point where they have to borrow money. Of those who were able to improve their lot, it was because of external assistance. You can also refer to the research papers by NGOs and international lending institutions that I have on occasion disseminated to the group.

A motorcycle is an enabling mobility for the poor. A private tricycle is an enabling mobility. But tricycles for hire are not the livelihood panacea for the poor as commonly perceived. If they were so, perhaps the country’s second oldest bank would still be in operation today. (Of course, the allegations regarding its bankruptcy, while openly discussed in coffee shops then, were never formally proven one way or another. AFAIK.) Sadly, in addition, tricycles are also a major cause of both noise and air pollution, as well as traffic gridlock all over the country.

Now, let’s take the kuliglig. It is admittedly a cheaper bastardized adaptation of the tricycle for the poorer of the poor. While it can be considered an enabling mobility (for private use), its range is realistically limited. Thus its role as an enabler, is therefore limited, either for specific situations or in significance.

Now if you are saying the kuliglig has the potential to play the public transportation role of the tricycle for the C & D classes, think again. What kind of infrastructure will it have? The same as that of the tricycle? If tricycle drivers have proven to be unmanageable, lack simple discipline, and disobey traffic laws wantonly, do you honestly think kuliglig operators will be better? And for what? The kuliglig will not lift them out of poverty. If the tricycle wasn’t able to, what makes you think the kuliglig will, being the inferior, less capable contraption that it realistically is.

If the tricycle has functioned as a band-aid that stops the (daily) bleeding of the poor but not cure the wound, the kuliglig will function as a contaminated band-aid that may stop the daily bleeding but at the same time seriously infect the wound.

Certainly agree with you that band aid cures is a waste of time and resources. The situation really is a call for us to move our ass and give these guys something better but within the frame work of their mindset as to how they do their business. Baga ng, minding our own business bro.

[niky]

Oldie ka pala, kitsons? UP ba (UPD boy here...)?

-

The problem with the tricycle is the economics of it... whether you can earn enough from running a daily route to cover the cost of fuel, maintenance and monthly amortization. And given that, in some cases, there isn't a big enough customer base to support a tricycle service, while in others, service areas are oversaturated, we've got a huge problem... too many tricycles, too few passengers.

One of the ways to get around this is to figure out ways to open up new markets, or to divert all that economic activity in some other direction, to ease up competition and make the lines more profitable. Government intervention is necessary in order to limit franchises to what each route will hold.

Another way is to find an alternative that either costs less, or costs less to run. On the first criteria... well... there really isn't anything cheaper than a tricycle... except maybe a scooter-based tricycle... with a more efficient and smaller engine and a cheaper entry price... on the second criteria... we have the choice of electric (with its relatively high entry costs), LPG (entry cost still high, but adaptable to existing vehicle and refueling infrastructure) and diesel or biodiesel (though we lack a source of diesel engines in the proper size).

-

The problem, I feel, is not that people don't want to improve their lot in life (though there is an attitude of that amongst metro slum dwellers who have come to rely on relatives and friends for support, many provincial and even urban poor do work hard to maintain their lot in life), but that economic and educational opportunities are scarce. You can teach people to drive, but you can't give them all jeepneys/trikes. You can teach them to be mechanics, or seamstresses or weavers, but we have lots of those, already, also. What's needed, really, is a targeted livelihood program that can identify unserved needs in the community and train exactly enough people in each community to fill those needs.

I believe there are programs like that in place, actually... and in our school system, we have participated in a few of these programs... but it's like spitting into a typhoon... with the enormous shortfalls of our educational sector, which can barely provide even basic education to our people (I spent a year teaching in a public school... it was pretty depressing... and this was a metro school, to boot, with better funding than many provincial schools), it can sometimes feel hopeless.