Basahan, Rosaryo, at Manibela: a critical analysis of the fitness, faith, and fate of Guadalupe jeepney drivers

Abstract

A jeepney is a Philippine mass transport staple. Jeepney drivers render transportation services to people of all ages for extensive hours every day, making them more vulnerable to diseases. Delayed eating and urination, varied temperatures, polluted air, and cramped driver's seat pose added health risks. But while living in subsistence, their concept of fitness is reduced to a rag used as towel to wipe off sweat. Moreover, drivers experience intersecting issues on jeepney ownership, boundary system, high oil prices, high costs of living, low minimum fare, and traffic. They are then left with meager to zero income. Jeepney drivers now turn to a god as a coping mechanism, and let faith bring about their fate. This critical ethnography was conducted to introduce the culture of religion of 80 Guadalupe (Tulay) — Paco Taft Herran (Pedro Gil) jeepney drivers, expose their socioeconomic and health conditions, and know how this culture can impact their quality of life. Participant observation and various interviews were largely utilized to obtain the results of this study. Majority of the respondent jeepney drivers provides evidence that the culture of religion has positive impacts in their lives. Ninety percent declared that their religion positively affects their quality of life. When asked in what way it affects them, top answer was it makes them feel safer and happier in life. Better trips came next, and last is that they get through their struggles in life.