‘Jeepito’ wants to help revive Baguio tourism

MANILA: As cities under general community quarantine (GCQ) begin to open up their economy and tourism, local government units (LGUs) and entrepreneurs alike are looking for creative ways to attract tourists into their locales.

One such entrepreneur is eyeing a revival of a 2016 tourism campaign starring his pint-sized creation and the smallest known jeepney in the Philippines, the so-called "Jeepito."

Owned and built by Ronald Tan in 2015, Jeepito was custom-made using scrap materials and measures 92 inches long, 42 inches wide and 55 inches tall. It is powered by a three-cylinder Suzuki multicab engine. Total cost for production is P165,000.

Jeepito is duly registered with the LTO (Land Transportation Office) and is also patented, copyrighted and obtained a trademark in the Philippines. It is designed to carry at least four people, including the driver.

“Jeepito is the perfect symbolism of the Philippines because the jeepney is not just a Philippine iconic symbol but just like the Philippines, Jeepito is small but amazing," Tan said.

Prior to the pandemic, the mini-jeepney could be seen at city parks and even at the Christmas Village of The Manor in Baguio City during the holidays where tourists and locals can take pictures or pose with it for selfies and photos. It was also used by Tan to deliver his company's donations to orphanages and the homeless.

Now, Tan wants it to be the centerpiece of a campaign to boost Baguio City’s tourism campaign.

"I want to help encourage us all to believe that there is life after the pandemic and that the people need to see the brighter side of life which is reason to still be thankful every day and to wear a smile," he said.

Photo by Eric Tipan

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