On any given day, at the busy intersection of Quirino Avenue Extension, Peñafrancia, and West Zamora Streets in Pandacan Manila, a one-legged figure stands out.
His name is Ricardo Cabulusan, and most people know him as "Putol." At 40 years old, he has become a familiar face in Pandacan. For the past decade, he has been directing traffic, ensuring that the flow of vehicles remains orderly.
Ricardo's tale, though often overlooked, is one of resilience and an unwavering commitment to his community, despite the challenges he has faced.
Seventeen years ago, a tragic incident changed his life forever.
One fateful night, Ricardo's cousin woke him, saying there was a birthday party to attend. Unbeknownst to him, the event would turn into a violent riot. In the chaos, Ricardo was shot in the right leg with a “sumpak,” a homemade shotgun. The injury led to the amputation of his leg, a life-altering event that left him relying on crutches.
Since then, Ricardo has learned to navigate life on one leg. His crutches provide him support and allow him to swing his body gracefully as he directs traffic.
Clad in a bright green, long-sleeved shirt and an orange reflectorized vest, he stands out amid the sea of vehicles. With a whistle and raised hands, he catches motorists’ attention, ensuring order in the midst of chaos. He mans the stoplight and steps in whenever the lights malfunction, ensuring that the flow of traffic continues smoothly.
Despite his physical limitations, Ricardo's dedication has never wavered. Rain or shine, his day starts early, around six in the morning, and he stays until the late hours, often serving as a parking attendant at a nearby funeral parlor at night. His work is voluntary now, a fact he shares with a mix of pride and resignation.
A year ago, he received an allowance from the Manila City Hall as an enforcer. But sometime August 2023, after falling ill and missing work for a week, he lost his job and the benefits that came with it.
"Ngayon wala na akong allowance, (Now I don't have an allowance)," he said.
Yet, Ricardo has found support in unexpected places. Motorists and passersby often give him food money. At St. Peter Memorial Chapels, a nearby funeral parlor, generous individuals occasionally slip him some cash, helping him get by.
Ricardo earns between ₱100 to ₱200 a day, a modest amount that helps him and his wife, Judith, make ends meet. They live near the intersection, sleeping on the concrete park benches under the shade of a balete tree, close to the police station and public library.
Despite the precariousness of his situation, Ricardo doesn't fear being hit by a car. "Nag-iingat po ako. Umiiwas sa mga sasakyan, (I am careful. I make sure I do not get in the way of vehicles.)", he said.
Ricardo's presence at the intersection is not just a matter of traffic control. He has become a symbol of hope and resilience, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find purpose and live with dignity and grace.