Councilor Perlita Rondez filed a resolution commending a lowly baseball coach for his "immeasurable honesty."
In her proposed resolution, Rondez narrated that on November 30, Delfin Lasdacan, a music teacher and baseball coach decided to call it a day, surreptitiously scuttling away from the Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) to satisfy his gnawing hunger.
While eating at the 456 Restaurant along Session Road, Lasdacan noticed a piece of paper fall from another customer's pocket.
It could have been just garbage but Lasdacan instinctively stood up and rushed to pick up the piece of paper. Much to his surprise, it was a signed check worth P60,000. He could have easily reaped the amount for himself, probably saving it for a bountiful noche buena or a second-hand Volkswagen but instead, he decided to give it back to its owner without any thought of remuneration for his honesty. As a matter of fact, he did not even care to ask for the owner's name.
As if temptation was really trying to get the worst out of him, Lasdacan was in for another surprise that same evening.
Shopping for a gift for one of his baseball player in a nearby "ukay-ukay," Lasdacan spotted a belt-bag and decided it was a good Christmas present. Too busy entertaining other bargain hunters, the shop owner took his payment unknowingly selling away a bag with his lifetime's earnings.
When Lasdacan inspected the bag upon reaching home, a passbook with a deposit of over P1 million greeted him. But again, he decided to return the bag and its contents probably thinking that his integrity is more priceless than becoming the next Baguio millionaire.
Rondez said: "Delfin (Lasdacan) is indeed an example worthy of emulation. An extraordinary teacher exemplifying an 'ideal' during an extraordinary time."
"For practicing what he preaches, we can be sure that his students and kids would grow up remembering his example and ensuring that Baguio is never devoid of people who care despite trying times," she added.
The City Council is expected to approve the resolution on January 8, making Lasdacan earn his place in Baguio history -- a priceless gift. (IL)
