December 24, 2025Dec 24 Photo courtesy of Balita A jeepney driver in Iligan City captured attention on social media by giving free rides as a Christmas gesture, receiving praise and admiration. The act was shared by Melanie Figueroa, a teacher also known for her advocacy work, who experienced the generosity firsthand. Melanie boarded a jeepney on the Riverside–Palao route, planning to pay her fare, but was kindly stopped by the driver pointing to a sign that read "Libreng Sakay para sa Pasko." Melanie expressed her gratitude and surprise at the unexpected generosity. During the journey, the passengers, including senior citizens, showed happiness and reiterated their thanks each time a payment was refused. The driver, identified as a member of a jeep-owning family, chose to tour the city for just one day to offer the festive free rides. Melanie shared that the act went beyond the nominal fare of 13 pesos, highlighting the true spirit of kindness. Although Melanie couldn't capture the driver's complete identity, she emphasized the uniqueness and nobility of his act, especially amid traffic challenges. This gesture reminded Melanie and others that the essence of Christmas lies in sharing goodwill rather than monetary value—an insight resonating deeply with the community, reported Balita. Key Takeaways An Iligan City jeepney driver offered free rides as a Christmas gesture. The act was widely praised for expressing true holiday spirit and kindness. It highlighted the importance of generosity over monetary gain. Click here for more Philippines stories Adapted by ASEAN Now from Balita 2025-12-24
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