Undas Rush Compassion: LTFRB Official's Viral Act of Kindness
During the peak of the Undas travel rush on October 30, 2025, a quiet moment of extraordinary compassion unfolded at Davao City's Ecoland Terminal that would later capture the hearts of thousands online. Amid the crowded terminal, a mother and her sick son found themselves at the receiving end of unexpected kindness that turned their difficult journey into an inspiring story of human connection.
A Mother's Struggle During Travel Rush
Ria Charmaine and her six-year-old son Calix were waiting for their 8 p.m. bus to Cotabato after the young boy had just completed another chemotherapy session at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). Calix, who is battling leukemia, was traveling with his mother for the first time after his treatment. The family had barely enough money for their fare and were both exhausted and hungry from their medical ordeal.
"Right after his chemo, we went back home just to pack his necessities, potluck food that we got from a sponsor at OPD that day, and a few prepared ulam for our dinner," Ria shared in her viral Facebook post. She expressed particular concern about her son's vulnerability to infections due to his oral chemotherapy medication, constantly spraying alcohol around him and keeping him at a safe distance from the thick crowd.
When their packed food spoiled before they could eat, Ria prioritized feeding her son with the remaining fried fish, choosing to endure her own hunger rather than risk exposing Calix to potential infections by removing his mask in the crowded area.
Unexpected Help Arrives
As boarding time approached, Ria grew increasingly anxious they might not secure seats on the bus due to the heavy passenger rush. She appealed to the conductor for assistance, explaining that her son was a Person with Disability (PWD). Another passenger nearby offered to reserve seats for them if they managed to board.
Then came the turning point. A man in formal attire wearing a terminal ID approached them. After learning about Calix's leukemia diagnosis and treatment at SPMC, he expressed genuine concern, asking if they were staying at the House of Hope - a halfway house within the SPMC compound that provides temporary lodging for cancer patients from outside Davao City.
The officer, who introduced himself as Nonito Llanos, Regional Director of LTFRB-Davao, immediately took action. He helped them board the bus first so Calix could lie down comfortably, then offered words of encouragement and support.
"We also support the House of Hope and children with cancer. I have a small help to give you. Just keep fighting, Ma'am. Be strong," Llanos told Ria while gently tapping her shoulder.
Fare Covered and Widespread Compassion
The kindness didn't stop there. As the bus prepared to depart, another LTFRB officer boarded and asked, "Who is the cancer patient here?" When Ria raised her hand, he instructed the conductor: "Don't charge them for tickets, their fare is already covered."
"I was shocked and overwhelmed," Ria recalled. "In my mind, I kept repeating countless times, 'Thank you, Lord!'"
Other passengers also extended small gestures of kindness, including the father who had earlier offered to reserve seats and thoughtfully asked if they needed water. The collective compassion made Ria feel they were "surrounded by good people."
Before the bus departed, Director Llanos returned to check on them one final time, attempting to talk to Calix though the tired boy was understandably irritable after his chemotherapy session.
Viral Impact and Heartfelt Messages
Ria's emotional Facebook post detailing their "wonderful and unforgettable experience" has since gone viral, garnering thousands of reactions and shares from netizens moved by the story.
In her post, Ria expressed profound gratitude to Llanos and his team: "Out of the many, and in a very least expected time, you became a blessing to me and my child. Even though we are not from Davao, we felt your overwhelming care and love for children with serious illnesses."
Director Llanos, in an online interview, shared this simple but powerful message: "Live a life full of kindness, coz it costs nothing but means everything."
The viral story highlights not just individual acts of compassion but also the ongoing support for institutions like the House of Hope and the challenges faced by families battling cancer in Mindanao. For Ria and Calix, what began as a journey filled with worry and uncertainty became a powerful testament to faith, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of Filipino compassion.
