TO save money and send his children to school, a 57-year-old jeepney driver has chosen to live inside his vehicle.
In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Rodolfo Gabatino, a native of Nueva Ecija, said he sleeps in his jeep to avoid spending ₱4,000 a month on bedspace rent.
“Ginagawa ko lahat para makatipid at makapag-ipon,” he said.
A father of four, Gabatino said he only sees his children during special occasions as they all remain in school.
Netizens commended his sacrifices and practical mindset:
“Nakakaproud ang ganitong ama! God bless po, Tatay!”
“Ito yung mas deserving sa 80k.”
“Diskarteng Pinoy, laban lang!”
Others called for more support for hardworking individuals like Gabatino:
“Eto yun dapat tinutulungan ng DSWD. ’Yung mga taong tinutulungan din ang sarili para makaahon sa hirap ng buhay. Hindi ’yung taong nakalabas lang sa imburnal tapos may instant 80k na.”
For Gabatino, it’s all about staying practical: “Basta ligtas ang paradahan, ayos na.”
(Photos courtesy of Manila Bulletin)
