Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

 Motorized tricycles, or simply known as tricycles the most popular means of public
transportation in small towns and cities in the Philippines. The tricycle is a three-wheeled
vehicle that is commonly used by Filipinos for short distances. It's a motorcycle with a
sidecar, however single-unit tricycles, including a few battery-powered models, are
becoming more common. Tricycles differ in shape, size, and color and each unit costs
approximately less than 100,000 pesos. In a single tricycle unit, drivers are only allowed to
carry a maximum number of 6 passengers or a maximum load of 400 kilograms. There are
approximately 23,000 motorized tricycles operating in Davao City. The driver of that
transportation vehicle is known as the tricycle drivers. Tricycle drivers are typically low-
income individuals who work for themselves in the micro, small, and medium-sized company
(MSMEs) sector. Below is a chart showing the number of motorcycles and tricycles
registered in the Philippines from the year 1981 to 2016.

View Philippines's Philippines Number of Motor Vehicles: Registered: Motorcycles and

Tricycles from 1981 to 2016 in the chart:
 Driving is a complex instrumental activity of daily living. It involves a complex and
rapidly repeating cycle that requires a level of skill and the ability to interact with both the
vehicle and the external environment at the same time. In driving any vehicle, a person must
take in to consideration of applying and being alert of using all senses of the human body
can do and one of those would be hearing. Tricycle drivers who carry their passengers to
their desired destination for a small fee, but having such work is a risk to a driver’s life
because it can cause a lot of diseases caused by air pollution and other factors that can
affect the life of a driver. One of the factors would be noise. Unpleasant, undesired and
unwanted sound is called noise. It is considered as any disturbance to the environment and
a threat to the quality of lives. According to a study, A single exposure of an impulse of
noise at the level of 130--140 dB or long and repeated exposures to loud sounds to an
average level of 85 dB or higher for an 8-h period can cause permanent loss of hearing.
Working as tricycle drivers would mean being exposed to the noise generated by the
motorized tricycle daily and on times of driving. This could be a risk or a potential problem
because noise has various effects on humans and extreme exposure could result to
temporary hearing problems or permanent hearing loss.

Tricycles in Davao City, Philippines

 The daily work or process of a tricycle driver is to wait for passengers to ride the tricycle
carrying from four passengers up to as many as six or more, excluding the driver and carry
their passengers to their desired destination. After that, passengers would pay their fares to
the driver. Fares range from ₱10 to ₱250, depending on the locality and the distance to be
ridden. If some passengers are carrying goods, they can be placed in the sidecar or if fully
occupied, they can be placed on the roof. Additional passengers can sit behind the driver or
on the sidecar depending on the design. If experiencing a heavy weather, a tricycle will be
completely enclosed in heavy plastic covering.

Dimensions of a tricycle:

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The tricycle drivers in GSIS Matina area are exposed by the noise generated by the motorized
tricycle. Their type of work or job activity is on a daily basis. There are some tricycle drivers who
are experiencing temporary hearing problems which may affect their work performance and in
health.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

This study aims to identify the level of risk of tricycle drivers exposed to such noise generated
by the motorized tricycle.

This study aims to know if the tricycle drivers are experiencing hearing problems due to the
noise and if it would affect their work performance.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This research can be used a tool to identify if tricycle drivers are experiencing hearing
problems. This research can contribute to the the following:
 Tricycle drivers
 Passengers (who are exposed to the noise)
 LGUs

1.5 Scope and Limitations

 Tricycle drivers within the GSIS subdivision
 Will interview and collect data from a small population of tricycle drivers within
GSIS subdivision
1.6 Definition of Terms
 Decibels –
 Tricycle
