Jeepney drivers comprise the most affected sector of the prolonged quarantine restrictions, which prevented them from plying the streets to earn a living. Many of them have dedicated their whole lives to this humble profession, and they never saw it coming that they would one day resort to begging on the same streets they used to earn from - this time relying on people's charity to survive what has become a daily hurdle to simply live.
Tatay Ronnie Magpusao is one of the thousands of jeepney drivers who lost their livelihood during this pandemic. Together with his wife, Nanay Vicky, Tatay Ronnie now begs daily on the street, holding up a cardboard sign explaining their need for medication for Nanay Vicky's heart condition.
Biker Christian Talento saw the couple on his way home on October 17, and he spent 15 minutes talking to Tatay Ronnie to know more about their situation. Later that night, Christian published a post on his Facebook account with the couple's photo (taken with their permission).
The Meridian Post got in touch with Christian and asked for his permission to write about Tatay Ronnie's story using the information and photo he shared on his Facebook account. Christian gave his permission and provided additional information to reach Tatay Ronnie.
Here is what Christian shared on Facebook:
"We are exactly where we are meant to be at that exact moment. The outpour in the morning and the need to have my phone repaired pushed back my planned 40-km ride 4 hours later than scheduled.
The cloudy sky having obscured the sun, the ride was pleasant. Qc-San Juan-Pasay-Makati-Manda-SJ-QC. Then on the last leg of my return trip just a few kilometers from home I saw this old man holding a sign by the road side. I was going fast and went past him but pulled the brakes hard, and turned back to where they were. My heart told me I need to speak with them.
His name is Ronnie, and slumped near him is his wife, Vicky. She was at the hospital for 3 months, and was diagnosed with a blockage (judging by the meds he named it's congestive heart failure). On top of that a previous scan indicated she has a lump in her lungs, and also has a liver condition, the prognosis of which Tatay Ronnie was unable to recall. Her CHF meds alone cost +/-3000 monthly ( I should know, having a family member with the same condition). He drives a jeep for a living and has no source of income since the quarantine; even if he wanted to drive, Nanay Vicky will be left with no one to tend for her. They have 5 children but they live far from them, and presumably earning minimum wage, and gives whatever they can albeit a small amount. 6 months worth of house rental, electricity, and water bills -- all unpaid. Their neighbors try to help too, they go by with a can of sardines and rice. He tries to earn in the morning and from 4pm to 6pm, they stay where I found them, to beg.
'Wala pa yung ayuda.' Her BP's so low she can barely walk 5 meters.
'Paano po kayo pumupunta dito?' I asked and he replied, 'umaarkila ako ng motor.' pointing to the parked motorcycle behind the power post.
In the span of 15 minutes I spent chatting with Tatay Ronnie, hundreds of vehicles passed by -- not one stopped for them.
Maybe this is the reason why I got delayed earlier. Had I left as planned, I would have arrived just after lunch, and wouldn't have crossed paths with them. I asked for his permission to have their pics taken and posted in the hope that someone may see their plight and help would come. Friends, this is the face of the suffering Jesus in the sick and the poor, in the middle of the pandemic.
If you want to help, you may reach out to Tatay Ronnie at 09284383000. I can also be involved if nahihiya kayong dumiretso."
Aside from the mobile number 09284383000, Tatay Ronnie may also be reached at 09956382416. For those who would like to extend some help for Tatay Ronnie, they may directly contact him. Cash assistance may also be sent to him via money transfer outlets (such as Palawan Pera Padala, Cebuana Lhuillier, and the likes):
Name: RONNIE MAGPUSAO
Address: 228 Banlat Rd., Tandang Sora, Quezon City
Birthdate: December 13, 1966
Contact Number: 09284383000
Photo credit: Christian Talento