In the early morning of July 27, Manila-based cab driver Michael Galsim discovered something in his backseat. It was a pouch apparently left behind by a passenger. To his surprise, the pouch contained some P50,000 cash, credit cards and other identification cards.

Galsim immediately went to the station of the Tulfo Brothers to report the incident and waited until the staff contacted the owner.

The owner of the small bag turned out to be Choi Jin Hyeok, a Korean businessman who has been based in Manila for more than two years. Mr. Choi hugged and thanked Galsim for his goodness. In return, Choi rewarded Galsim ten percent of the money. At first, the cab driver hesitated to accept the money but the passenger insisted to give the reward.

Michael, who is 36 years old and has a wife and a young son, happens to be a resident of Bongato East. He used to be an overseas Filipino worker based in Qatar, but decided to settle down in the Philippines in order to be with his family.

In honor of Galsim’s remarkable honesty and for being a good example to fellow Bayambangueños, the local government of Bayambang gave him recognition after the flag ceremony on August 7 at the Balon Bayambang Events Center. No less than Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, Vice-Mayor Raul R. Sabangan, and the Municipal Councilors handed him a certificate and a token gift.