A jeepney driver touched the hearts of netizens after offering free ride to those who cannot afford to pay despite struggling with high oil prices himself.
Facebook user Ian Macalanda shared a photo of Tatay Michael, plying the Sangandaan-Divisoria route, who posted a handwritten tariff at the back of his seat. He also left a note for those who cannot afford to pay.
“Para sa walang-wala TY lang ok na,” he said.
Tatay Michael’s gesture was appreciated by netizens.
In an interview with GMA’s Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), he said that he wanted to help others because he himself knows how difficult life is, especially because people are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic.
He started accepting “thank you” as payment when the minimum fare went up by P1.
“Sinimulan ko ‘yun nu’ng tumaas ng piso ‘yung minimum na pamasahe. Imbes na mag-1-2-3 sila, magsabi na lang sila na wala silang pamasahe at mag thank you na lang sila. Sapat na ‘yun,” he told KMJS. “Sobrang hirap kasi ng buhay ng mga Pilipino ngayon. Ang buhay natin, give and take. Kung ngayon, mabibigyan ka, baka sa susunod ikaw na ang makapagbigay.”
Tatay Michael also has his own struggles because aside from providing for his family’s needs, he also has to earn enough for his wife’s medication.
“Masaya rin kasing makatulong sa mga taong kapos. Kasi lahat tayo galing doon simula nang nagpandemya. Kahit mahirap ngayon mamasada para sa mga tsuper, kahit pa misis ko kailangan ng panggamot dahil siya’y na-stroke, importante pa rin sa akin ang makatulong at kahit papaano, may napapaligaya ako.”
Because of this, netizens have expressed their gratitude to Tatay Michael.
“Yan ang virus na gusto natin na kumalat. Yung pagiging mabuting tao at maganda ang puso ni tatay. God bless you more po. Pray po namin may tumulong para sa medical needs ng asawa nyo para gumaling na po sya. Sending healing thoughts for your wife,” one netizen commented.
Meanwhile, another said that he hopes that passengers won’t abuse the driver’s kind heart.
“Sana wag abusuhin si tatay. Sana yung nag thank you, next time hanapin nyo sya bigyan nyo ng makain man lang. God bless u more tatay. Ingat po always,” J. Milano commented.
(Image via Facebook / Ian Macalanda / KMJS)