Two Philippine Coast Guard personnel earned praise for their act of kindness after helping a 76-year-old man change a flat tire along Limketkai Drive in Cagayan de Oro City. Despite the scorching afternoon heat, the two stopped to assist and politely declined the family’s ₱500 offer of gratitude. One of them was identified as “Jonas”. The family lauded the duo for exemplifying genuine public service and compassion, saying their selfless act deeply touched their hearts.
Read the full story below.
At around 2 p.m., a 76-year-old man and his family experienced a flat right rear tire along Limketkai Drive in Cagayan de Oro City. His daughter was driving, but since she did not know how to change a tire, the elderly man attempted to do it himself with the help of his apo, who was also inexperienced.
Under the scorching afternoon sun, the 76-year-old struggled to position the jack and lift the car. Despite their efforts, they could not manage to change the tire. While several people passed by, a gentleman wearing a white polo shirt eventually stopped and politely asked if they needed help.
Upon learning about their predicament, the man immediately offered assistance. He knelt on the dirty pavement, getting his white shirt dirty in the process. His companion, who was wearing black, even took out his pristine white handkerchief and placed it on his colleague’s back to protect the shirt from getting dirtier.
When the elderly man tried to take over after the jack had been positioned, the Coast Guard personnel told him, “Huwag na, Tay. Ako na po, Tay.” He then proceeded to remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare.
Even when a LandBank security guard called them, apparently for a transaction at the nearby bank, the two replied, “Tapusin lang namin ’to. Malapit na.” They chose to finish helping the family before attending to their other business.
After the tire was replaced, the elderly man’s wife offered the two water to wash their dirty hands, while his daughter offered ₱500 as a token of gratitude. However, the two politely declined the money, saying it was nothing.
The elderly man managed to identify the gentleman in white as Jonas, confirming that he and his companion were members of the Philippine Coast Guard.
Deeply touched by their selfless act, the 76-year-old praised the two personnel for choosing to help despite the intense afternoon heat and without expecting anything in return. He expressed hope that his post would reach Jonas and his companion’s superiors so their kindness could be recognized and appreciated.
For the elderly man and his family, the incident was a heartwarming reminder that genuine public service goes beyond official duties, demonstrating compassion, humility, and a willingness to help others in times of need.
info and photos by Jekho Dahan
