THE Mandaue City Government distributed on Saturday, July 4, 2020, grocery packs to 2,500 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers affected by the crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

On a Facebook post, the Mandaue City Public Information Office said the activity, which took place at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, was headed by Mayor Jonas Cortes. The Sectoral Affairs Office was in charge of the distribution.

PUV drivers have been hard hit by the current health crisis, as many of them, mostly driver of public utility jeepneys (PUJs), have not been allowed to operate by the Department of Transportation and the local government of Mandaue.

The City hoped that the grocery packs could help the drivers and their families with their daily consumption.

Mandaue City is still on general community quarantine (GCQ) status until July 15.

As of July 4, the city had 973 Covid-19 cases with 637 active cases, 311 recoveries and 25 deaths.

While limited public transport is allowed under GCQ status, only buses and modern jeeps similar to the size of mini buses are allowed to carry passengers as the social distancing protocol can be observed in these kinds of vehicles.

During the distribution last Saturday, most drivers said they were grateful to the City Government for looking after their condition.

PUJs have not been allowed to transport passengers since the city was placed on hard lackdown four months ago.

Meanwhile, the Public Employment and Service Office (Peso) of Mandaue City encouraged those who have no source of income to apply for job vacancies.

There are companies that are looking for bus drivers, conductors and production workers, among others, it said.

Any Mandaue City resident can inquire and apply for the job vacancies. They must visit the Peso for guidance and recommendation.

The Peso is located on the third floor of the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday to Friday. (KFD)