Sotero Canonoy, an honest taxi driver and a member of Iglesia Ni Cristo ministry made a firm decision to surrender a bag of valuables that was
left inside his cab by three German tourists has become the country’s latest example of why it’s more fun in the Philippines.
On March 23, the tourists took a ride from SM Mall of Asia to NAIA Terminal 1. The tourists disembarked from Canonoy's taxi but unfortunately they left their valuable belongings inside the taxi. Upon checking the bag it contained a laptop, a PlayStation Portable (PSP), a cell phone, a wristwatch, some clothes and medicines. Canonoy's mother, Nanay Cita, a participant in the first Survivor Philippines reality TV series in GMA network (one of the local news station in the Philippines) suggested to seek assistance from the network to trace the owners of the items. The Department of Tourism (DOT) learned of Canonoy’s deed through radio dzBB.
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. lauded the good gesture of Canonoy. “ He (Canonoy) exemplifies the innate goodness of our countrymen”, said secretary Jimenez. “It gives support to the positive image we wish to portray through our ‘It’s more fun in the philippines’ campaign,” Jimenez said in a statement. “We want to highlight these good news as normal than unusual."
“This is what we mean by tourism is everybody’s business. Each little good thing adds up to the fun picture of Philippine tourism. And as important as the first impression upon arrival are the good memories that a visitor brings with him until he departs. In this particular case, the DOT is pleased to note that the DZBB team perseveres in helping resolve this matter. We all are part of the tourism experience as we all are likewise, beneficiaries. We all need to do our share of good, for tourism to make a dent in our economy and in our respective lives,” Jimenez said.
