About 19 organized groups and 6 individuals or a total of at least two thousand eight hundred fifty Operators and drivers joined the Tricycle Operators and Drivers or TOD Day. It is the first ever celebration here on January 8, 2008 with the Theme “Unang Hakbang para sa Pagkakaisa tungo sa Kaunlaran at Kaayusan Sa Trapiko”.

The program was conducted at the Plaza Luz Taklobo Stage following a resolution passed by City Councilor Arnold R. Gavenia, Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Communication of the Sanguniang Panglunsod and Chairman of the Motorized Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Board (MTFRB).

Councilor Arnold Gavenia explained to this writer that the tricycle drivers are our ambassadors of good will to visitors to our city. Its design which is startling for first timers gives the city its unique flavor. The councilor hopes that with this efforts of the city government, the tricycle drivers will be fully participating in pushing the city in placing its best foot forward. Basics such as road courtesy and politeness to the riding public and proper driving attire will be encouraged. As its theme implies, this activity is the first step in unity towards development and systematic traffic management. 

“After we recognized the motorized tricycle here as the Official Public Utility Vehicle in Pagadian City, I passed a Resolution to legalize these activities declaring every January 8 as TOD Day while my proposed City Ordinance No. 013 otherwise known as TOD Day Law 2007 was still pending in the City Council for the final reading,” Gavenia told this writer.

The much maligned tricycle of Pagadian with its unique tilted design to accommodate the city's uphill roads not found in any other city utilizing tricycles has become an everlasting icon that symbolizes the city. In the past, calls have been made to replace the venerable tricycle with other modes of transportation but it has endured and thrived through the years. Efforts were made to regulate its noise emission and with more powerful motorcycles now available, it has significantly reduced its noise as well as its fuel consumption.

The program was also attended by Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co, Provincial Board Member Ernesto Mondarte representing Zamboanga del Sur Governor Aurora Cerilles and Mr. Maffy Obaub representing First District Congressman Victor Yu. The attendance of the honorable mayor underscores the importance that the city government has placed on Pagadian City's major mode of transportation.

“Your sector in our society has a big role in our city’s campaign specially in promoting tourism development and peace and order. As your Mayor in the City, we are requesting your whole hearted support because you are the show window in our city as a new Regional Center of Zamboanga Peninsula. Our motorized way of style of transportation is very unique that’s why we in the city government recognize you as our official public utility vehicles. Your hospitality, honesty, discipline and road courtesy are very important specially we have more people coming in our city because of the full implementation of the Regional Transfer,” Mayor Co said in his speech.

Last update : 17-01-2008 20:03

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