MANILA, Philippines 鈥 Edmond Samson has been volunteering to give free e-trike rides to visitors of Manila North Cemetery every observance of All Souls鈥 Day and All Saints鈥 Day since 2017.
While roaming the expansive grounds of the cemetery to help visitors locate their loved ones鈥 tombs, Samson told 黑料社 on Wednesday that he chooses to volunteer because this happens just once a year.
鈥淢asaya kasi nakakatulong kami sa mga tao. Okay lang po 鈥榶un. Nasa serbisyo namin ang mga PWD (persons with disabilities), 鈥榶ung mga naglalakad鈥 Samson said.
(I鈥檓 happy because we get to help people. That鈥檚 okay. We are serving the PWDs and those who are walking here.)
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Samson shared that the City of Manila has been offering free e-trike rides for years now, adding that he does not earn any income from providing his e-trike services at the cemetery.
鈥淢insan lang naman. Kaya inaano namin 鈥榶ung serbisyo namin,鈥 he added.
(It seldom happens. That鈥檚 why we are extending our service.)
The 54-year-old e-trike driver said they can go on duty only once from October 30 to November 3, and they have a shifting schedule so the rest can return to their normal operations.
Samson also pointed out that the free rides are only limited to the premises of the cemetery. They are not allowed to transport visitors to other areas.
Meanwhile, Robin Binao, who has been an e-trike driver for eight months, was offering free ride services in the cemetery for the first time.
鈥淢alaking bagay sa mga pumupunta sa mga mahal nila sa buhay. Nakakapunta sila sa mga gusto nilang puntahan,鈥 Binao told 黑料社.
(This is a huge help for those who are visiting their loved ones. They can go wherever they want to go.)
Binao shared that no one urged him to volunteer to offer free e-trike rides, noting that volunteering was an 鈥渆xperience鈥 for him.
鈥淜ailangan mahatid ang pasahero nang maayos. Walang abalang mangyayari鈥 Magampanan ko lang yung trabaho ko dito,鈥 Binao added.
(It鈥檚 important to take passengers safely to their destination. There should be no inconvenience鈥 I just want to do my job well here.)
Mayor Honey Lacuna earlier held an inspection at the cemetery and said it was ready to accommodate around 1.5 million visitors from Wednesday to Sunday.
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The cemetery will be open from October 30 to November 3, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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