Driving A Helping Hand

We reached out to Toyota owners to find out how they helped others cope with life under quarantine. With most families experiencing limitations in transportation and challenges in getting food and supplies, we were glad to find out that these Toyota drivers were using their vehicles to do their part in supporting their communities and helping those in need.

Groceries were especially hard to come by for people due to the lack of transport and owners of the small but mighty Wigo found their calling here. The car’s spacious interior and excellent fuel economy make it credible alternative to motorcycle delivery. LJ and Raquel Tiongco use “Louwiggy” for longganisa delivery and the occasional food donation runs for frontliners. “I know the hard work and sacrifices of our frontliners and this is my simple way of showing my appreciation for them. As the old saying goes, sharing is definitely caring. I’m thankful for my blessings and I want to share it with others,” says LJ.

Other owners spent their downtime and family time giving back as well. Melwin Vergardo and his family spent their daughter’s birthday giving back, using their Innova to bring food to the police frontliners of Santiago City. “While I sit in a comfortable and air-conditioned office,” he relates, “those officers were exposed not only to the harmful heat and sun, but also the threat of the coronavirus.” So Melwyn and his wife decided to donate rather than spend money on a home celebration. “These police became our friends, and they would often tell stories of others doing the same thing,” he reports enthusiastically. “I hope this bayanihan makes us stronger against the pandemic and other threats in the future.”

Arden Austria was also feeling the spirit of bayanihan. He felt the need to help upon hearing his boss at work remark “I hope this doesn’t become an ‘every man for himself’ type of situation. He felt obliged to contribute what he could to give help to others and donated relief goods to hundreds of families in his home city of Santa Rosa using his trusty new Vios. “I wanted to give them hope that all of us will overcome this situation.”

Then there’s Bern Carlos and his cousin, who teamed up to distribute relief goods to needy families using their Vios and Innova. “I just had this sense of responsibility and urgency that I need to help these people, particularly those below the poverty line,” he explains. “Putting smiles on their faces was an honor and I want to share this lesson with my future kids: Giving a helping hand is unconditional.”