Traffic, long lines on public transportation, train mechanical troubles now and then, unreasonable fare prices, and not to mention the country’s unpredictable weather. These are just some of the everyday struggles of a commuter in the Philippines. “Napaka-hirap and nakakadrain. Feeling ko isa siyang malaking full time job, pero hindi nga lang ako bayad.” This is how a college student from National University - Manila described her experience as a student commuter living in Bulacan. 

 

Public mass transportation is a crisis and it affects students as well. This is the daily case of Khyllene Donado because she is forced to wake up early and leave to avoid the long queues and traffic so she can make it on time. 

“Isa sa mga struggle ko ay ang paghintay ng sasakyan at traffic na hindi na  matapos-tapos. Hindi na bumaba sa 2 oras ang b'yahe ko. Kalaban rin namin ang panahon, matinding init, at lalo na ang ulan. Ang hirap rin kapag naabutan ng rush hour, nakatayo ka nalang buong byahe. Pagod ka na nga, nakatayo ka pa. Hindi rin ganoon ka-accessible ang mga public transpo”  Khyllene said in an online interview. She is just one of many students in the Philippines who are dealing with the difficulties of commuting. The irony is that despite the numerous projects the government "did," traffic has long been a significant issue in this country.

She stated that commuters and students, in general, shouldn't put themselves through the agony of taking a long time to get somewhere. “Di naman namin deserve ‘to as a commuter pero wala naman kaming choice kase di naman lahat afford ang kotse” 

 

Mass transportation is a mess and Filipino commuters deserve better. Their safety and comfort should come first.