Actress-vlogger Ivana Alawi extended financial assistance to a jeepney driver who recently went viral after being involved in a road clash.
On May 21, TikTok uploader Rio shared her firsthand experience as a passenger of 77-year-old jeepney driver Roberto during the incident.
“I was on my way home, but suddenly banda sa Carriedo nabangga yung jeep na sinasakyan ko,” Rio recalled in her post.
She admitted that the incident left her traumatized, especially since it was her first time witnessing a road accident. However, beyond the fear, what struck her most was seeing the elderly driver helpless amid the situation.
“Naiyak ako kasi natakot ako para sa buhay ko, pero may mas malalim pa palang dahilan kung bakit ako naiyak. Dahil habang tinitignan ko si tatay, naaawa ako,” she shared.
Rio defended Tatay Roberto during the altercation, saying passengers witnessed that the car involved allegedly caused the collision after suddenly appearing in front of the jeepney.
She later learned that the elderly driver has an early-stage cataract in one eye and needed medical consultation with an ophthalmologist. Because of his age and condition, his jeepney operator reportedly no longer allowed him to continue driving.
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On Saturday, May 23, Ivana Alawi shared a Facebook reel documenting her meeting with Tatay Roberto.
During their conversation, the driver opened up about his struggles, including his wife’s epilepsy and the maintenance medicines she needs daily.
Tatay Roberto also revealed that he has been driving a jeepney since he was 50 years old and dreams of someday owning a small sari-sari store. He added that his only child no longer financially supports him, forcing him to continue working despite his age.
“Kaya ako napilitan mag-hanapbuhay. ‘Di ko malaman kung takwil na ba ang tawag sa’kin eh,” he lamented.
Moved by his story, Alawi handed Tatay Roberto P30,000 in cash assistance along with a sari-sari store package worth P50,000.
The elderly driver turned emotional upon receiving the assistance, saying he could finally afford medicine for himself and his wife.
“Talagang hindi ako makapaniwala na ganito na ang nangyayari,” he said tearfully.
The actress also personally drove Tatay Roberto to Bulacan, where his wife currently resides.
“Ganito lang ang buhay ko, mayroong taong tumutulong sa’kin ngayon. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Ivana,” he added.
Tatay Roberto likewise expressed gratitude to Rio, whose viral TikTok video helped bring attention to his situation. It was also Rio who reached out to netizens and to Alawi’s team in hopes of extending assistance to the elderly driver.
As of Saturday, donations for Tatay Roberto had reportedly reached P194,865.59, according to a transparency report shared by Rio. The funds will be used for his daily expenses and medical needs.
Ivana’s post quickly drew praise from netizens, with many commenters applauding the actress for immediately extending help to the elderly driver, even comparing her swift response to that of the government.
“Bilis talaga umaksyon ni Ivana, nakakahiya sa mga nakaupo,” one comment read.
“Mas mabilis pa sa gobyerno, just saying,” added another user.
“Finally napansin agad ni Ma’am Ivana. Mas mabilis pa si Ma’am Ivana kaysa sa mga gobyerno haha,” echoed another comment.
“Parang ito na lang iboboto ko pagkapresidente hahahaha!” a netizen joked.
