₱3,300 damage, a handful of coins, and a student’s last ₱250: A trike driver involved in accident and a stranger’s story of kindness

FEATURE

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — From the fourth floor of their school building, Rhea Joyce Pascual Asuncion and her classmates watched a road accident unfold below them.

But amid the rain, traffic and commotion, one scene caught Rhea’s attention: a crying tricycle driver sitting by the roadside, counting the coins he had left.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on September 09, 2026, Rhea related the story that made her feel that even if she is just a student and a stranger, she could something to help others no matter how little the effort may be.

The incident happened on August 8 along Caritan Sur, directly in front of the main campus of the University of Cagayan Valley (UCV). Rhea identified the driver as Tatay Alfonso, a tricycle driver from Linao East, Tuguegarao City.

According to Rhea, the road was slippery because of the rain when a car suddenly braked, causing Tatay Alfonso’s tricycle to collide with it.

After the accident, Rhea said the car driver asked Tatay Alfonso to pay ₱3,300 for the damage.

From where she was, Rhea watched the driver cry, count his coins and ask if the amount could be reduced.

“Nakaramdam po ako ng awa, at the same time nakaramdam din po ako ng galit sa may-ari ng sasakyan po,” Rhea recalled.

But instead of simply watching, the Social Work student decided to do something.

Her last ₱250

Rhea had only ₱250 left from her allowance that day.

She gave it to Tatay Alfonso.

Two of her classmates also contributed ₱50 each, bringing their initial assistance to ₱350.

As the tricycle driver was about to leave, Rhea ran after him to hand over the money.

“Actually yun nalang po noon yung natitirang allowance ko, 250 po yun, pero nagdagdag pa po yung dalawang kaklase ko ng tig-50 po nila kaya naging 350 po ang kabuuan. Hinabol ko pa po yung tricycle niya noong time na yun para iabot yung pera since paalis na po siya,” she said.

What Rhea did not expect was that her small act of kindness would inspire others to help.

₱20, ₱50, ₱150—and even ₱3

Rhea later posted about the incident on social media, sharing what she had witnessed.

The post reached people who also wanted to help Tatay Alfonso. Some approached her personally, while others sent donations through GCash.

The contributions varied—₱20, ₱50, ₱150 and even ₱3.

Rhea, together with one of her classmates and friends, helped collect the donations and coordinate the assistance.

When Tatay Alfonso received the additional help, Rhea said he was surprised and became emotional. He cried and thanked the people who had extended assistance.

Rhea did not know the tricycle driver before the accident. She later learned more about him after speaking with his grandchild, who had apparently seen her social media post.

A father’s hard work inspired her

Rhea said her decision to help was also influenced by her own family.

Her father works as a construction worker, and she said she understands how exhausting it is to work under the heat.

“Alam ko po kasi yung nararamdaman ng pagod, lalo na po kapag nagtatrabaho ka sa ilalim ng init,” she said.

As a Social Work student, Rhea said the experience also reflected the kind of service she hopes to provide in the future.

“Bilang isang social work student, mahalaga ang pagtulong sa mga taong nangangailangan dahil nais po naming maging sandalan nila sa panahon ng kanilang mga pagsubok,” she said.

She added that even simple acts of helping, listening and understanding can give people hope and strength during difficult times.

For Rhea, however, the most important lesson was simple.

“Natutunan ko po na dapat may malasakit tayo sa kapwa, kahit hindi po natin sila kilala,” she said.

One small act became many

What began with Rhea and two classmates giving ₱350 eventually grew as other people contributed whatever they could.

Some gave a few pesos. Others gave more.

Together, their contributions became additional support for Tatay Alfonso.

Rhea expressed her gratitude to everyone who responded to her appeal.

“Gusto ko lang pong magpasalamat, wala naman pong maliit na halaga sa taong may malasakit. Basta galing po ang tulong nila sa puso nila, mas matimbang pa rin po yun sa mata ng Panginoon,” she said.

She also encouraged young people not to hesitate when they encounter someone in need.

“Hindi kailangang malaki ang ating gawin dahil kahit simpleng kabutihan, pakikinig, at pagbibigay ng oras ay malaking bagay na para sa iba,” she said.

On a rainy day in Caritan Sur, Rhea saw a stranger counting his coins.

She had only ₱250 left.

She gave it anyway.

And then, one by one, others followed.