SIPAG rolls out free vegetable drive for Lucena drivers amid rising costs

By Jay B. Laurino Drivers receive free vegetables during the “Gulay para sa Bayani ng Kalsada” community pantry organized by SIPAG-Quezon in...

By Jay B. Laurino

Drivers receive free vegetables during the “Gulay para sa Bayani ng Kalsada” community pantry organized by SIPAG-Quezon in Lucena City on April 7. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — In a show of bayanihan, farmers and local officials in Quezon joined forces on April 7 to distribute free vegetables to transport drivers in Lucena. Community-driven efforts like this highlight cooperation and shared responsibility amid ongoing economic challenges across the province.

Around 200 jeepney and tricycle drivers received 670 kilograms of vegetables—including eggplant, cabbage, chayote, pechay, and bok choy—during the distribution. Local farmers supplied the produce, ensuring freshness while reinforcing support for Quezon’s agricultural sector.



The initiative was led by SIPAG-Quezon in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Quezon under Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Ana Clarissa Mariano. On-site teams identified beneficiaries from active drivers operating in key transport hubs across Lucena.

The group, together with OPA officials, underscored the urgency of the initiative, pointing to mounting financial pressure on transport workers. Rising fuel prices and daily expenses continue to reduce drivers’ earnings, making targeted assistance increasingly critical.

The program aims to cushion drivers from shrinking earnings as rising fuel prices erode daily income and strain household budgets. Increasing operating costs continue to cut into take-home pay, leaving many drivers struggling to meet basic needs and sustain daily operations.

OPA described the initiative as a direct link between farmers and communities, reducing waste while improving access to food. Officials may expand similar efforts across the province, depending on supply and coordination with local groups.

Agricultural Technologist Sheryl T. Peña urged more institutions to adopt similar efforts to strengthen community support systems. She emphasized that collaboration remains key to sustaining assistance for vulnerable sectors across Quezon.