Driver’s good deeds go viral

MANILA, Philippines - A Grab driver’s good deeds became viral after a netizen posted her experience with him on Facebook.

Gelica Manuel Tulauna, who hired Carlo Diaz to transport him from the Gateway mall in Cubao, Quezon City to Moriones in Tondo, Manila, posted that he changed her view of taxi drivers after she saw him get out of the vehicle and hand over a paper bag full of food to an elderly woman sleeping on the sidewalk.

Tulauna admitted that she became a bit paranoid as they passed through a dark area and Diaz got out of the vehicle. Diaz later told her that he and his friends regularly cook and give away food to the homeless.

“My heart swelled and I smiled to myself, silently thanking God for using them as instruments of His love. My respect for them went sky high,” she said.

Tulauna said she admired Diaz even more when he told her that everyone should work for the good of others and not wait for the government to perform.

Diaz, 25, became a Grab driver in October last year.

Winston Ginez, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman, said the board is considering giving recognition to Diaz for his “acts of kindness and mercy.”

Ginez encouraged other public utility vehicle drivers to emulate Diaz.

He said Diaz’s good deed is truly exceptional since many PUV drivers are rude to their passengers.

Diaz  was overwhelmed by the LTFRB’s decision and is glad that “other people appreciate what we do.”

He said he, his girlfriend and some of his friends have been giving food and used clothing to people they find sleeping on the streets as their way of giving back their blessings.

“Each time we have money saved up, I go around with my girlfriend and friends. If we pass someone on the street, we stop and give them food and used clothing,” Diaz said in Filipino.

He stressed they are just normal people. “We’re just lucky… we have shelter and we eat three times a day,” Diaz said.