Saturday, March 31, 2012

Honest cabbie is 'model of fun'

by Shiela Mendoza, Yahoo Southeast Asia Newsroom


A taxi driver who surrendered a bag left by three German tourists was hailed by the Department of Tourism as the Philippines’ “model of fun.”
 
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. on Thursday lauded the good gesture of Sotero Canonoy, a taxi driver who turned over a bag which contained a laptop, PSP, cell phone, wristwatch, and some clothes and medicines left by the tourists whom he transported to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on March 23.
 
“This is one happy piece of news that we need to hear more of. Mr. Canonoy’s action exemplifies the innate goodness of our countrymen. 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.
 
Canonoy reportedly surrendered the bag to TV network GMA7 to broadcast the find as well as to help trace the owners.  
 
DOT said NAIA authorities and the German Embassy are now determining the identities of the tourists to ensure that the belongings are returned to them.
 
“This is what we mean by tourism is everybody’s business. Each little good thing adds up to the fun picture of Philippine tourism,” Jimenez said.
 
“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,” he added.