CAVITE – Tricycle drivers in Rosario, considered by residents as modern-day heroes of commuters, were treated to two liters of gasoline each in celebration of National Heroes Day on Monday, Aug. 25.

Rosario Public Information Officer Sid Samaniego told the Manila Bulletin that the initiative aims to recognize tricycle drivers' hard work and the role that they play in everyday transportation.

“Hindi matatawaran ang mga naitalang magagandang kwento ng mga tricycle driver sa bayan ng Rosario, higit sa kanilang mga pasahero na kung ilang beses nang nagsauli ng mahahalagang mga gamit tulad ng pitaka, cellphone, dokumento, at pera (The admirable stories of tricycle drivers in the town of Rosario are beyond measure, especially their acts of returning valuable belongings such as wallets, cellphones, documents, and money left behind by passengers),” Samaniego said.

The gasoline was sponsored by Tau Gamma Phi, Rosario Municipal Grand Council, whose chairman, Vryce Velasquez, expressed gratitude to the tricycle drivers and acknowledged their daily sacrifices to provide for their families.

Silangan Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) President Christian Buhain, meanwhile, said the initiative is a significant help for their members.

“Maghapon na naming magagamit ito sa pamamasada. Maraming salamat sa pagturing sa amin bilang mga bagong bayani ng bayan (We can use this for an entire day of driving. Thank you for recognizing us as new heroes),” Buhain stated.