This National Heroes’ Day, inDrive recognizes its partner drivers and their small and quiet acts that help others move forward
This National Heroes’ Day, as we remember the brave souls who helped shaped our nation, let’s also celebrate the heroes among us today — the ones who navigate our bustling streets and traffic-choked roads, one passenger at a time.
They are the ride-hailing drivers, the silent guardians who move our communities forward from behind the wheel. They are a living testament that heroism isn’t just a thing of the past; it’s a quiet, human act of service happening every single day.
Ride-hailing drivers are the silent guardians who move our communities forward from behind the wheel
For Jason Pamilar, what started as a routine drive during Typhoon Crising became an act of profound dedication. For nine grueling hours, he braved flooded roads to ensure his passenger got home safely. The journey was so long and treacherous that at one point, he waded through knee-deep water on foot just to find food for both of them.
“I did it because as a driver, my passenger is my responsibility,” Jason shared. “As long as I can, I will get them there.”
His simple act of kindness, driven by an unwavering sense of duty, quickly went viral online, garnering an outpouring of support from strangers.
But for Jason, the attention wasn’t the point. “I didn’t expect any of that. I just wanted to do the right thing,” he said, his words a powerful reminder that true heroism often seeks no reward.
Integrity, empathy, and the family they drive for
Jason’s story is a shining example of the integrity and empathy that many drivers embody.
Just like Rolando Perea, whose commitment to honesty defines his work. One night, after dropping off a passenger, he discovered they had left their laptop in his car. Without a second thought, he immediately contacted them and arranged for a safe return.
Rolando knows the road to being a ride-hailing driver is full of unexpected twists and turns. He meets different people every day and faces countless challenges, but he has a secret for staying positive through it all: respect and prayer.
“It’s not easy to be a driver,” he said. “What’s important is we have respect for others, we are patient, hardworking, and we always pray for safe journeys.” His quiet dignity and patience are the unseen forces that make every trip with him a little bit smoother.
Heroes also show up for the people they love most. As the family breadwinner, Mark Allan Casulla works long hours on the road, but he never lets the grind keep him from his most important role: being a dad. For Mark, true success is being able to balance his work with his fatherly duties, ensuring he’s always there to drop off and pick up his kids from school.
“Being a driver gives me a wonderful opportunity to easily spend time with my family while I earn a living,” he said. “We are their only parents and the ones they can count on, so it’s important for us to guide them as they grow.”
His dedication to his family and his stellar performance on the road earned him a spot among inDrive’s top drivers for the second quarter of 2025. When he accepted his award, his young son, beaming with pride, stood by his side, clapping and cheering. It was a moment that proved hard work and heart always pay off, and that the greatest reward is the pride of your loved ones.
Honoring the everyday heroes behind the wheel
Jason Pamilar receiving the “People’s Driver Award” from inDrive
On National Heroes’ Day, companies like inDrive are recognizing these silent champions, proving that the spirit of heroism is alive and well on our streets. Jason was honored with the People’s Driver Award, the first of its kind in the Philippines, while Rolando was celebrated as one of the top drivers of the past six months.
For these men, the awards were more than a trophy; they were a validation of their hard work and dedication.
“Many of our partner drivers go beyond providing rides. They show up with integrity, empathy, and grit,” said Vanessa Taqueban, inDrive Philippines’ Driver Operations Lead. “On National Heroes’ Day, we honor our heroes behind the wheel and their commitment to driving all of us safely.”
Jason, Rolando, and Mark remind us that heroes aren’t just found in history books or monuments. They are the ordinary people who do extraordinary things, the ones who embody kindness, integrity, and resilience.
This National Heroes’ Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the quiet courage of those who move our communities forward, one journey at a time.
