[PARTNER] Byaheng Pag-Asa

The journey towards a better tomorrow starts today. March 13, 2020 is a date that we all remember all too well. It was the start of the nationwide lockdown that will continue to this day in many forms. ECQ, GCQ, and MECQ affected all of us. Manila stood still and the roads quickly went silent. Our Jeepney drivers who ply all the major roads and thoroughfares also went silent. Their daily routine stopped and were forced to find a way to survive. Many resorted to friends and family for support. Others were begging on the streets.

We heard about their plight and created a campaign aligned with our most popular product, the JEEPNEY tote. A fitting representation of out most popular way to move around. After a number of phone calls we finally connected with a group representing 60 Jeepney drivers. A special mention to Carmen Lopez of Philippine Commission on Women , Marielle Rugas Chairman for Gabriela Youth and Oliver Aguilar President of ATOM ( Alyansa ng mga Tsuper Maliit na Operator ng Maynila ). ATOM is a community of Jeepney drivers plying the Tondo route of Manila.

The Byaheng Pag-asa campaign was born to provide direct donations to ATOM and to sustain jobs with partner communities. Purchasing a Jeepney tote at 7,000.00 pesos automatically contributed 2,000.00 pesos for 1 jeepney driver. With a goal of donating to 60 total jeepney drivers our call was heard by advocates like you. Many who purchased Jeepney totes months back donated in cash. A certificate of donation was issued to all the advocates who gave along with the Jeepney driver who they supported. A short message by some Jeepney drivers also made the experience more personal. A touching moment for the one receiving and the one giving.

The partner communities involved in this campaign are also highlighted for their workmanship and perseverance. Even with checkpoints and local lockdowns due to cases in their area they worked to deliver the totes so advocates can purchase on our website. They too are heroes during this difficult time.

To our advocates who continue to support our cause, we admire your thoughtfulness and generosity. You made this campaign successful and continue to provide livelihood for so many communities.

We would also like to report that a new set of 60 jeepney driver’s have been adopted. By supporting Byaheng Pag-asa Campaign they too will also benefit. For more information, please visit our website www.zarahjuan.com .

We are grateful for having you in our Juantribe.

---