The operation of horse-drawn carriages (tartanilla or parada to some) in Cebu City has recently faced significant challenges, particularly with declining interest in tartanilla and the rise of modern transportation, such as the increasingly popular and efficient electric- powered three-wheeled vehicles (e-trikes). This has to some extent affected the livelihood of local coachmen (kutseros), limiting their work opportunities, earning capacity and forcing many to choose between adapting to modernity or preserving a traditional family legacy.
Despite these challenges, a small group of dedicated kutseros remains committed to their craft, defending their livelihood as a dignified means of earning income. However, they have not been immune to discrimination and public scrutiny regarding the public’s perception of the kutseros’ treatment of their horses.
The Cebu Technological University (CTU) Vice – President for Research and Development, Dr. Adrian P. Ybañez organized faculty researchers for the tartanilla program. On October 10, 2024, together with the Research Director of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Development (OVPRD), CTU faculty researchers met with the Cebu City Honorable Mayor, Cebu City Local Government’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Cebu City Tourism Office, to discuss an innovative program to revitalize Cebu City’s tartanilla industry. The program is multi-faceted and highlights innovation, sustainability, social responsibility, and community empowerment as it seeks to boost heritage tourism. From this program comes a research project which focuses on developing sustainable horseshoe design to improve animal welfare while preserving Cebu’s cultural heritage.
Recognizing the need for innovation in this area, on October 23, 2024, the CTU Vice President for Research and Development, Dr. Adrian P. Ybañez, planned a series of engagements with the kutseros and led in giving them an introduction of the program while discussing the role and commitment of the Cebu City Government and CTU and the program’s objectives to address challenges in the tartanilla industry, to name a few, passenger comfort, tartanilla and horsehoe design. The program aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by supporting income generation for local coachmen and craftsmen, SDG 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure) by supporting the design and production of innovative and more sustainable horsesheos, and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by focusing on animal welfare and sustainable practices. Additionally, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is addressed through the preservation of Cebu’s cultural heritage and the promotion of sustainable tourism.
To emphasize the specific project on horseshoe design innovation is part of a broader effort to organize the kutseros under “Kutseros for Cebu Heritage Tourism,” ensuring they are equipped in meeting modern challenges of their job while preserving their traditional craft. The new horseshoe design aims to reduce pain and discomfort for horses, enhance mobility and improve sustainability. Horseshoes play a crucial role not only in the in the movement, but also in the over-all health and well-being of the horses. Currently, the primary way kutseros identify poorly fitted or improperly designed horseshoes is when the horses exhibit discomfort or when they refuse to move which is a clear indication that the horseshoe is causing pain or injury. If the CTU researchers become successful at creating horseshoes that are more sustainable, better fitted, more durable, and more comfortable for the horses, this allows the kutseros to focus on their core livelihood of operating tartanillas and caring for their horses. This horseshoe innovation project not only enhances the welfare of the horses but also empowers the coachmen to focus on their primary responsibility of ensuring both the horses and the tartanillas are well-maintained for safe and efficient service.
This collaborative effort among Cebu City local government officials and key employees, local coachmen and CTU faculty researchers exemplifies an innovative and practical approach to addressing real-world challenges while preserving a cultural legacy. It demonstrates the transformative potential of industry-related research, fostering sustainable solutions that directly impact both the community and the tourism sector.