ILIGAN City — Returning a lost wallet instead of keeping it has earned a Zamboanga City delivery rider both public praise and a reward from his company.
Maxim Rides & Food Delivery recognized driver-partner Kismar Tingkao Usman, 35, after he found a wallet along Veterans Avenue while fulfilling an order and turned it over to Brigada News FM.
Usman said he did not open the wallet or take anything from it because he knew its contents could be important to the owner.
“Hindi ko po talaga ito binuksan o pinakialaman. Isinurrender ko po ito dahil alam kong kung gaano kahirap ang buhay ngayon,” he said.
He added that even without cash, the wallet could contain IDs and other personal or sentimental items that would be difficult for the owner to replace.
The radio station later posted about the recovered wallet on Facebook, identifying the name on the ID inside and asking the owner to claim it. The post drew hundreds of reactions, shares and comments, with many people praising Usman for returning the item.
For his honesty, Maxim gave Usman three days of zero-percent commission and a grocery package.
Ahiddan Maldisa, head of Maxim Zamboanga, said Usman’s decision showed the kind of integrity the company hopes to see among its driver-partners.
“Kismar’s actions reflect the honesty and consideration that we hope to see in our driver-partner community,” Maldisa said.
Usman, a native of Tigtabon Island, travels by boat for about an hour each day to reach Zamboanga City for work. He leaves his motorcycle at the port and uses it to fulfill Maxim orders in the city.
Despite the daily commute, Usman continues to make the trip to earn a living.
He said he was surprised and happy after seeing the Facebook post and reading comments from people who appreciated what he did.
His experience offers a simple reminder for anyone who finds a lost item: doing the right thing can help someone more than we realize—and it can inspire others to do the same.
