THE number of motorcycles and tricycles in the country has visibly increased. From crowded urban streets to quiet provincial roads, these vehicles are more than just a convenient mode of transportation — they are engines of opportunity, especially in rural communities. From delivering goods to accessing jobs and essential services, these two- and three-wheel vehicles enable mobility and economic opportunity.
According to the Land Transportation Office, as of 2022, there were 8.43 million private motorcycles and tricycles registered nationwide. Motorcycles comprise 82 percent and tricycles, 18 percent.
This reflects an increasing reliance on motorcycles for livelihood, particularly among small business owners, delivery riders and informal workers. In a country where 38 percent of the workforce operates in the informal sector (says the Informal Sector Survey), motorcycles have become essential tools in the economy.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that, in 2016, the informal sector contributed P5.013 trillion to the country’s gross domestic product. These numbers mean that mobility is not just about movement, but also about access to income, education, health care and opportunity.
Filling the void
While urban areas benefit from evolving transport systems, rural communities face a different reality. Limited public transport options, poorly developed roads and long distances are barriers to economic and social participation. This is where motorcycles and tricycles fill the void, offering Filipinos an affordable, flexible and reliable way to move goods, access jobs and connect with services.
A farmer in Nueva Ecija can bring freshly harvested vegetables to market using a motorcycle, cutting travel time in half and reducing spoilage. A tricycle driver in Negros Occidental can transport students and workers to their destinations, earning a steady income while serving the community. In Mindanao, small sari-sari store owners rely on motorcycles to deliver supplies to far-flung villages, ensuring their businesses stay stocked and operational.
These stories are echoed across the country, creating life-changing opportunities for individuals and families.
The motorcycle boom aligns with the country’s evolving economy. The rise of small businesses, delivery services and digital platforms like Grab, foodpanda and Lalamove has further cemented the motorcycle’s role as a tool for livelihood and progress.
The delivery services industry in the Philippines is projected to grow by 9.8 percent annually, according to Statista, powered largely by motorcycle riders. An estimated 2 million Filipinos are employed as tricycle drivers, providing affordable local transportation to millions daily. Motorcycles and tricycles contribute to reducing unemployment, with many workers choosing self-employment options in rural and semi-urban areas.
But while motorcycles are more affordable than cars, the upfront cost still poses a challenge, especially for rural and underserved communities. For many, motorcycles are not just vehicles, they are investments that require hard work.
Financing solutions
Yet, owning a motorcycle is just the beginning. Existing owners often need financial support to sustain or grow their businesses, cover personal needs or fund emergencies. This is where accessible financing solutions become critical.
Organizations like Cycle Financing Corp. (CFC) address this need by offering loans to existing motorcycle and tricycle owners. By using their vehicle’s OR/CR (Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration) as collateral, individuals can access funds quickly and affordably.
This financial solution offers:
– Flexibility: Loans can be used for business expansion, personal needs, education or family emergencies.
– Inclusivity: Even underserved borrowers, like small business owners or tricycle drivers, can access funds without traditional collateral.
– Empowerment: Tricycle and motorcycle owners can leverage their assets to generate more income, improve their quality of life and contribute to their community’s economy.
Progress doesn’t happen quickly. It requires continued financial inclusion — ensuring that those who work hard to own motorcycles can also access the resources they need to thrive.
CFC is one institution that makes this possible, empowering motorcycle and tricycle owners to leverage their assets for a better future. Through these efforts, mobility becomes more than movement. It becomes empowerment — for families, businesses and entire communities.
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