A Father's Journey: Kenneth Bayutas and Daughter Niña Live and Work on E-Bike
In the quiet hours before dawn, 50-year-old Kenneth Bayutas awakens next to his three-year-old daughter, Niña, inside the e-bike that serves as their shelter, workplace, and only means of survival. This poignant daily routine defines their life on the streets, where Bayutas has become a symbol of unwavering resilience in the face of profound loss and hardship.
Tragedy and Transition to Single Fatherhood
Bayutas' life took a devastating turn when his wife fell into a coma and passed away shortly after giving birth to Niña via cesarean delivery. While the newborn spent her first critical week in an incubator, Kenneth was thrust into the dual challenges of grieving his partner and embracing the overwhelming responsibility of raising a child alone. With no permanent home, he has since adapted to a nomadic existence, balancing fatherhood with the relentless demands of street life.
Daily Struggles and Survival on the Streets
Each day revolves around a cycle of pedaling his e-bike to earn a living while providing constant care for Niña. Bayutas meticulously prepares her meals and ensures her safety as he navigates through bustling traffic, all in an effort to meet their basic daily needs. The e-bike is not just a mode of transportation but a lifeline, enabling him to scrape together enough for food and essentials while keeping his daughter close.
Resilience Forged by Love and Determination
Though grief and hardship remain central to his story, they are powerfully matched by a relentless determination. In every trip he takes and every sacrifice he makes, Kenneth Bayutas demonstrates a resilience shaped entirely by his love for Niña. His journey highlights the extreme lengths a parent will go to for their child, even in the most dire circumstances.
Report by Euclen Maye B. Simene from Talisay City National High School.
