Wesley United Methodist Church in Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines, is showing solidarity with one of the sectors most affected by the ongoing fuel cost crisis: Jeepney drivers.
These public transport operators in the Philippines drive jeepneys, the country’s most common and iconic mode of transportation. They earn a daily income by paying a fixed “boundary” to vehicle owners, making them especially vulnerable to rising fuel costs and other operating expenses.
“Hapag sa Wesley,” or “Wesley’s Table,” aims to reach drivers struggling with reduced earnings as fuel costs climb. Jeepney operators, who rely on daily income to sustain their families, have been among the hardest hit by the recent price hikes, often taking home significantly less after expenses.
The Rev. Ruben Manabat III shared that “Hapag sa Wesley,” founded in 2022 to provide hot meals to the community, truly lives up to its name by practicing the acts of mercy, piety, and justice. Gathering funds and donations to sustain the program has not been a challenge since it aligns with the church’s mission to serve the community.
In times of crisis, The UMC continues to respond with both faith and action to support communities in need.
This video was published on May 18, 2026. The contact is Joe Iovino.
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