by Bernard Julian Patiño, Panglantaw Mindanao
A tricyboat is a mode of transportation that’s popular in Davao City and other parts of Mindanao. It is a public utility vehicle that is basically configured like a tricycle except that its engine is the motor of a pump boat, thus the name. Practically all of its components–from chassis to wheels to handlebar–are fabricated from scrap metals and assembled in neighborhood garages. As such, their build quality and roadworthiness are suspect and the Land Transportation Office refuses to have them registered. Tricyboats nevertheless still ply their routes and remain popular with commuters who need to travel short distances. [PM]
