A commuter in Davao City got a free ride thanks to a generous jeepney driver celebrating his son’s success in the November Civil Engineers Licensure Examinations.
TikTok user Jih (@jujiiihhh) shared her experience of riding a jeepney without paying her fare on her way home.
A notice posted at the back of the front seats read:
“Libre lang po ang sakay ngayon bilang pasasalamat dahil pumasa po ang aking anak sa Board Exam bilang isang Civil Engineer.”
A smiling emoji was also included on the notice, adding a cheerful touch to the driver’s message.
Jih shared that she had “never felt so proud” on her way home after experiencing the generous gesture.
“It feels like I’m the one who passed the board exam. As someone who also grew up with a father working as a driver, it really moved me and made me happy at the same time while reading the banner,” she wrote on TikTok.
“I’m so proud of you, sir! — To whoever’s daughter or son this is, big salute and congratulations to you and your family. It was never an easy journey, but you truly made my day brighter!” Jih added.
“Indeed, December is full of hope. Merry Christmas!” she further said.
@jujiiihhh Wow!!! I’ve never felt so proud before while on my way home. It feels like I’m the one who passed the board exam. As someone who also grew up with a father working as a driver, it really moved me and made me happy at the same time while reading the banner. I’m so proud of you, sir! — To whoever’s daughter or son this is, big salute and congratulations to you and your family. It was never an easy journey, but you truly made my day brighter! Love, Joy, Hope by Coco Martin charot bitaw I was deeply touched habang gasakay pauli. Indeed, December is full of hope. Merry Christmas! 🎄✨#fyp #father #lifestory #merrychristmas #loved ♬ original sound – mstacked™
Jih’s TikTok post quickly went viral, amassing 2.2 million likes, 108,400 bookmarks, and over 7,500 comments from users sharing in the heartwarming moment.
The story also caught the attention of GMA News, which featured the generous driver, Edwin Recososa. According to the report, he has been a jeepney driver for nearly 35 years, driven by the dream of providing a more prosperous life for his child.
“‘Yun talaga ang naisip ko. Kapag nakapasa siya, gusto ko pong mag-libre sakay, para naman sa mga pasahero ko. Pangarap ko din noon maging engineer kasi… kaya lang, ‘di nakapag-aral. Sa kanya ko na lang ibinigay lahat,” Edwin said in the interview.
Dave Recososa, the board passer, said he never expected his father to take such a generous initiative.
“‘Di ko po talaga inasahan na gawin ni papa ko po. Sobrang saya ko po, lalong lalo na po ‘yung mga naka-appreciate talaga ng dun sa ginawa ng papa ko po,” he shared.
Dave was one of 14,043 individuals who took the Civil Engineers Licensure Examination last November, and he was among the 4,268 test takers who passed.
A civil engineer is responsible for designing, building, and overseeing the construction of infrastructure and systems. Their work includes developing construction projects, coordinating and supervising on-site activities, forecasting design and construction timelines, and conducting investigations and analyses to ensure safety and quality.
