Isabela worker, with P5 in pocket, returns P90,000

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines  – Although he had only P5 in his pocket the other day, Danilo Berganio, a contractual utility worker of the Isabela provincial government, did not hesitate to return nine envelopes containing P90,000 in cash he found at the provincial capitol.

Berganio, 34, became an instant celebrity that same day, which coincided with the recognition of outstanding employees, one of the highlights of the birthday celebration of Gov. Faustino Dy III. 

Dy personally handed to Berganio a certificate of recognition for what the governor described as his honesty in returning the money, outshining the other awardees.

“This is something others should emulate. Although it was already a sizeable amount, he did not think twice about returning the money. We really need more people like him in the public service,” Dy said.

Berganio was arranging chairs for Dy’s birthday celebration when he noticed nine envelopes on the floor.

When he opened the envelopes, reportedly misplaced by an employee of the provincial treasurer’s office, he learned that each envelope contained P10,000.

Without thinking twice, Berganio immediately turned over the envelopes to the office of provincial administrator Noel Lopez who, in turn, informed Dy about the utility worker’s honesty.

The envelopes containing cash were reportedly intended for the beneficiaries of the Bojie-Rodito Opportunities Program. Bojie is the nickname of the governor, while Rodito refers to Vice Gov. Rodolfo Albano III, son of Rep. Rodolfo Albano Jr.