One-legged delivery rider who travels by bike inspires netizens

A food delivery rider who has only one leg inspired netizens after a photo of him went viral online.

According to Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras," food business owner Donna Villarin was touched after meeting Joy Habana, a person with disability (PWD).

Instead of taking a motorcycle like most delivery riders, he rides a bicycle even though he can only pedal with one leg.

"I could only say, 'Wow kuya.' I instantly felt that I should not be the only one to witness this extraordinary moment," Donna said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Joy said his leg was amputated just three hours after he was born. He has never known what it's like to stand on two legs and he could only walk with the aid of a crutch.

He also works as a pest controller in a company, but his income is not enough for his family's needs so he decided to deliver food as an additional gig. It was as a delivery rider that he experienced the kindness of strangers.

"There was a time when someone, even though I did not deliver anything to them, would ask me whether I know God. I said yes," he said.

"They then handed me P1,000. I told them I cannot accept it, but they said God gave that for me. I was touched," he continued.

Donna, meanwhile, thought of sharing her encounter with Joy online. She asked him if they could take a picture together, because he was "meant to be known publicly." He agreed.

She then posted the photo on social media, where it immediately went viral as netizens admired Joy's determination and hard work.

"If he could do it, what is our excuse not to work as people with complete limbs?" Donna said.

Asked for his advice to others like him, Joy said they should not be ashamed of who they are and just keep fighting.

"PWD tayo dahil ang PWD, pantay-pantay walang diskriminasyon. 'Yun ang dapat mangyari," he said.

("We are PWD because PWDs are equal and there is no discrimination. That's what should happen.")

—MGP, GMA News