Twenty-six USM Tricycle Drivers Receive Cash Gifts from Cotabato Province, Cotabato 3rd District Office 

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) assisted in distributing the cash gifts from Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza and Cotabato 3rd District Representative Congresswoman Ma. Alana Samantha Santos to the twenty-six (26) Tapat na USM Tricycle Drivers on October 10, 2024, at the University Commercial Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.

These tricycle drivers showed generosity and honesty as they returned items left in their tricycle units, such as bags, money, cell phones, etc.

In her speech, Congresswoman Santos addressed the moral deeds of the tricycle drivers. 

“Alam ko minsan there will always be temptation… but you have a good heart because you see the struggles ng mga kabataan… Ito lang din po ang aming paraan ng pagbabalik, acknowledging people who worked hard enough, kaya maraming maraming salamat.” She ended. 

In addition, Kabacan Mayor Evangeline P. Guzman expressed her support to the tricycle drivers during the program. She mentioned that LGU- Kabacan is also thankful as these tricycle drivers do the same initiative in the municipality.  

“Ang akin pong pagpupugay sa ating mga tapat na drivers… we are praying na dadami pa po kayo.” Guzman stated. 

Moreover, in his message, USM President Francisco Gil N. Garcia underscored his gratitude to the Province of Cotabato and the tricycle drivers. “Sana madagdagan pa ang inyong tribu, hanggang sa umabot kayo ng isang daang ticycle drivers na tapat. Maraming salamat kay Gov. Lala at kay Cong. Sam, at sa inyo mga tapat na drivers dahil kayo po ay may malinis at may mabubuting kalooban.” He concluded. 

Further, Mark Anthony Nimer, one of the tapat tricycle driver-awardees, expressed his happiness for USM’s recognition and the cash incentives from the provincial government.

“Isang malaking pasasalamat po galing sa amin, maliit man o malaking bagay, dapat po nating isauli. May matanggap man tayo o wala, maging tapat po tayo sa ating pamumuhay. Marami ho sa atin na tricycle drivers ay mahirap po pero gawin po natin ang tama… May mga driver man na may mga issue pero alam ko ang Kabacan ay mas marami pa rin ang mabubuti at mababait na driver.”  He remarked.

Board Member Jonathan Tabara, former Kabacan Councilor Reyman Saldivar, and the USM personnel attended the activity.