SAN PEDRO, Laguna – A food delivery rider is making the rounds online after being photographed on Wednesday (Oct. 27) with an infant in the basket of his bike.
In the photo circulating online, a baby is seen perched in the wire basket padded with pillows while feeding from a milk bottle held by the rider.
According to 18-year-old rider Hershey A. Manuel, everyone in his household was busy when the order came in and no one could look after the baby.
"Nung oras na po na yun marami pong nabili sa tindahan ng tita ko (During that time, there were many customers at my aunt's store)," Manuel told the Manila Bulletin.
"Dahil malapit lang po, isinama ko yung anak ko (Because it was just nearby, I brought my child along with me)." Manuel said the restaurant and delivery address were only a few blocks away from where they lived. He also clarified that it was the only time that he brought his baby on duty.
"Hindi ko po sya araw araw kasama dahil alam ko pong delikado at mahamog na sa daan (I don't bring the baby every day because I know that it's dangerous and risky for my child's health)."
Amid the slew of advice he got from netizens commenting on the photo, Manuel says he's only trying to make a living for his family.
They recently relocated from Manila to their relatives’ home in Laguna, in the hope of finding a better future.
"Lagi po kaming pinapayuhan ng mga tita ko na tinitirahan namin ngayon para maging mabuting magulang. Isa po akong batang ama na maagang namulat sa hamon ng buhay (My aunt whom I live with always gives us advice on how to be good parents. I'm a young father who had to face life's challenges at an early age)."