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BY RHODA GARZON-CAMPILLAN
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Public utility jeepney etiquette
“LIHUG idog-idog Day,” I heard Manong Driver say as he maneuvered his public utility jeepney (PUJ).
The teenage girl pretended not to hear Manong Driver. The middle-aged woman searching for a vacant seat settled in a space behind the girl. She was uncomfortably seated because the teenage girl did not straighten up. She was still sitting sideways despite the request of Manong Driver.
I was sitting across them and I could not hide my disgust to the teenage girl.
Is it difficult to sit properly when inside the jeepney? Is it tough to be sensitive to others? Is it hard to move an inch to accommodate another passenger who is also rushing to go home to her family or to reach her office? The way people behave these days makes me feel frustrated.
My take on this issue is that respect to other people is imperative. We were taught to be courteous and observe correct manners since we were children. Our parents and teachers inculcated in us values that will hone us to become better persons. We need to put these values to work even if our parents or teachers are not looking.
Next, sensitivity to other people’s need is a mark of a mature person. Sensitivity is tantamount to generosity; if you are sensitive to the needs of others, you are unselfish because you recognize the desires of others.
We must remember that we are not the only person inside the PUJ. We do not own the PUJ hence we do not have the right to deny others of their right to sit comfortably.
However, some people refuse to be sensitive. They already see a person about to fall from the seat yet they don’t mind. They continue to sit sideways in the PUJ and text on their phones as if everything is okay and under control.
Then, good manners and right conduct is non-negotiable. I read an article online that your manners define you as a person. What you show to others speaks about your upbringing, values and beliefs. Hence, we should not embarrass ourselves by being ill-mannered, especially in public. Showing good manners to others will spread good vibes and positivity.
B.C. Forbes said, “the human being who lives only for himself reaps nothing but unhappiness. Don’t put off the joy derived from doing helpful, kindly things for others.” This is very true; you will feel a different kind of high if you help others. Those who live for themselves alone will never feel happy and complete.
After all, what is our purpose in this world? We are here to make others feel loved and accepted. We are here to spread the happy pill to everyone. Even inside the PUJ, we have to consider the feelings of others. If somebody hands us his fare, we must get it and give it to the driver; although sometimes, others would deliberately sit on the farthest corner of the jeepney to avoid the hassle of giving the fare to the driver frequently.
If you cannot avoid it, especially if you are seated at the back of the driver, politely tell the other passengers this, “Mga manang kag manong, tingbun ta lang hatag ky Manong Driver plete a, ako lang madaho sa iya.” If some will not follow your suggestion, extend your patience even more.
Let us also refrain from sitting sideways to give room to others. During rush hours, commuters want to arrive home quickly; hence, we must also give them the chance to sit comfortably.
Another thing is, if we are riding the jeepney especially in the morning, as much as possible avoid giving the driver a 100 peso bill. “Sensilyo lang sa aga” as what the stickers posted on jeepneys says.
Indeed, the driver has the responsibility to give you the change but we must also understand that it is so early in the morning; chances are he only has coins.
On the driver’s side, they should be polite and avoid being grumpy especially if it is early in the morning.
So yeah, being nice is not bad after all. We just need to motivate ourselves to be helpful, sensitive and caring to other people.
We must remember the Golden Rule: “Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.” And Goethe said, “A man’s manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait.”/PN
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