Cyclists help elderly couple pedal home to Mindoro

Members of the cycling group Tropang Trinx Cavite on Tuesday helped an elderly couple make their way home to Occidental Mindoro.

Khelvin Federigan chanced upon Alfred and Emilia Calderon on his way to meet his riding buddies in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite. The elderly couple were in a pedicab with a sign explaining their situation.

The Calderons were originally staying in Quiapo, Manila but were displaced and were forced to pedal their way to Batangas Pier in a pedicab. Emilia stayed inside the pedicab, as she had suffered from a stroke.

Federigan in a phone interview with GMA News Online said that he approached the couple after noticing that no one else was paying attention to them or offering help.

He took the couple to a nearby eatery and assessed the situation. "Pinakain ko muna, tapos pinapunta ko 'yong mga kasama ko," he said. Federigan and his friends thought of providing escort to the couple as they pedaled to Batangas Pier.

To signal boost the Calderons' call for help, he posted their photo in a mountain bikers' Facebook group and several members offered help. Biking enthusiast Sergio Yostaris was in the area and offered to give the Calderons a lift. He also provided a truck, to transport the pedicab to the pier.

The Calderons were first brought to a hospital, to make sure that they are fit to travel.

Federigan told GMA News Online that tickets were provided for the Calderons. The couple are now aboard a Montenegro ship to Occidental Mindoro. Arrangements have also been made for them once they reach their destination. — BM, GMA News