Jeepney Driver Earns Praise Online for Giving Free Rides and Snacks on His Birthday

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – A jeepney driver gives free rides and snacks to his passengers as he celebrates his 53rd birthday.

Offering free rides on jeepneys can be a fantastic way to support communities, especially those in need or during special events. It fosters a sense of goodwill and can ease financial burdens for some individuals.

On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the jeepney driver Catalino Villasan from Balud, San Fernando, celebrated his 53rd birthday by giving free rides to his passengers. The driver started his advocacy in 2018.

Villasan also handed out free burgers to the first 60 passengers aside from the free rides. His jeepney route runs from Carcar City to Tabunok, Talisay City, and back.

The jeepney driver revealed that he ran for barangay councilor in the May 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election. Around 2:00 p.m., he drove his jeepney and picked up passengers while waiting for the election results.

Unfortunately, he found himself in a nearby vulcanizing shop after one of his tires went flat.  His tire unexpectedly burst when he was pumping air into it, temporarily blinding him. In spite of this, a few hours later Villasan’s vision mysteriously recovered.

“Mga alas-10 sa gabie na, mibalik na akong panan-aw. Didto gyud ko nakaingon nga lisoda diay uy sa kahimtang nga mawad-an ta ug panan-aw,” he said.

Since then, as a way of giving back, he has given his passengers free trips on their birthday. His children joined in by bringing goodies for the travelers after they heard about his dedication.

In a previous post, a kind motorcycle rider offers free ride to handicapped man

Villasan says he is grateful to God for having his vision back and promises to keep up his good deeds as long as he is able to drive.

The social media users expressed their reactions to the post: