Alice Baguitan, a 37-year-old Igorota from Bauko, Mountain Province, and a vegetable supplier from La Trinidad, Benguet, showed extraordinary honesty when she returned a lost bag containing P2.7 million cash to its rightful owner.
Baguitan was in Laoag, Ilocos Norte to deliver her vegetables from La Trinidad, Benguet when the incident occurred. She was eating at a restaurant when she noticed two women accidentally leaving a bag.
She opened the bag and was surprised to see a large amount of cash inside. She immediately followed the women outside the restaurant but the owners left.
Baguitan first reported the incident to the police station but she remembered what she had inadvertently heard from the conversation between the two ladies inside the restaurant, that they were going to a bus station.
Baguitan proceeded to a bus terminal, and there she saw a familiar face of a woman who looked worried and was talking on the phone. She then showed the bag to the woman, whose eyes widened and she immediately hugged her.
It was learned that the owner of the bag was heading to St. Luke's Hospital where a relative is scheduled to be released.
Baguitan said the bag owner offered to give her cash as a reward but she refused to accept it. According to her, she will receive many blessings from the Lord if she does what is right.
"I did not receive the reward since I believe that as a Christian, I just did the right thing and I believe that God rewards me with more blessings," the honest Igorota said.
This is not the first time the vegetable dealer in Igorota has shown honesty. In the same city, last year, she also returned a large amount of money when she found a pouch left by a passenger on a tricycle containing P750,000.00.
Honest Igorota Alice Banguitan recognized by La Trinidad government
Alice Baguitan, a mother of two and a resident of Brgy. Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet, receives a Certificate of Recognition and tokens from Mayor Romeo Salda for demonstrating extraordinary honesty twice.
The La Trinidad Sangguniang Bayan has filed a Resolution commending her for serving as inspiration and pride to the whole La Trinidad community. She was accompanied by her husband John in receiving the recognition.
Baguitan was also praised by netizens and fellow Cordillerans for showing an extraordinary act of honesty and refusal to receive any monetary rewards.
Her honesty truly reflects the "Inayan" culture of the Igorot people. And by doing the right thing to anyone, in return, the blessings will return a thousandfold from Kabunian.
