![The pedicab drivers in their uniform during the graduation ceremonies attended by Catbalogan City Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan and Tesda officials. Photo courtesy of Mayor Tan.](https://isumat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/catbalogan-pedicab-drivers.jpg)
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, (PIA) – Some 132 pedicab drivers in Catbalogan City are now doing the rounds of the city in their brand new uniforms.
The model pedicab drivers were trained for two weeks to be able to assist tourists as they go around the city looking for places to stay, eat, be refreshed ad entertained.
The new breed of pedicab drivers are a far cry from the ordinary pedicab drivers-these models are models in hygiene and sanitation as they have been trained to be neat and clean, communicate courteously with their passengers and or do minor repairs.
“I wish that the assistance you got will help boost your confidence as you help us paint a much better Catbalogan, a tourist friendly city, you contribute to the economy, you are important to us,” the mayor addressed them in Waray-waray language on Monday, stressing the need to empower the pedicab drivers.
She also urged them to become models to the more than four thousand pedicab drivers operating in the city
Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan was present along with TESDA officials and Governor Sharee Ann Tan during the launch of the program in November. The pedicab drivers were given rice during their training to compensate for their lost income, they were also given rechargeable lamps, tool kits and seven Camisa chino shirts as their uniforms.
The same project has been rolled out in Calbayog City which received support from Mayor Ronald Aquino.