ROSARIO, Cavite — A tricycle driver in Rosario, Cavite, became an unexpected hero Sunday when he helped a pregnant woman give birth in his vehicle.

Joy Chavez was in labor when Bryan Tajh Mejia picked her up near Isla Bonita corner around 5:30 p.m. on July 14, 2024. Mejia didn’t hesitate to transport Chavez and her husband, Allan Delicano, despite the emergency situation.

The baby boy, named Allen, was born inside the tricycle before they could reach the hospital. Mejia successfully delivered mother and child to Rosario Lying-in Clinic, where they are currently under care.

The couple tried to pay Mejia, but he refused, saying, “Huwag po ninyo akong intindihin. Ang intindihin po ninyo ang inyong baby. Masaya na po akong nakatulong kahit papaano sa inyo.” (“Don’t worry about me. Focus on your baby. I’m just happy I could help you in some way.”)

The grateful couple expressed their thanks. “Maraming-maraming salamat po kay kuya na hindi kami tinanggihang isakay sa kanyang tricycle. Bagamat emergency talaga ng oras na iyon ay nandun siya para kami ay matulungan. Salamat talaga ng marami kay kuyang driver,” they said. (“Many, many thanks to the driver who didn’t refuse to take us in his tricycle. Even though it was a real emergency, he was there to help us. We’re really grateful to the driver.”)

Mejia, 28, has been driving a tricycle for four years and currently serves as a councilor in Brgy. Silangan 1.

The mother and her third child, a baby boy, are reported to be in good condition.