The ongoing coronavirus crisis is no joke. Both government and the citizenry are struggling to cope with the situation that’s keeping people from working and earning their usual income. Perhaps the most vulnerable demographic is that of the elderly: Not only are they most prone to the virus, but their plight is made more difficult by the fact that the individuals who normally support them financially are now also having a hard time making ends meet.

It is for this very reason that the mayor of Kawit, Cavite, has decided to auction off his 1969 Dodge Charger. In a Facebook post, Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo shares that he is letting go of his prized automobile to help support senior citizens in his municipality.

Here is Aguinaldo’s post:

Noong nakaraang Linggo, akin pong ipina-auction ang aking 1969 Dodge Charger R/T vintage car dahil sa kagustuhan kong mas makatulong pa sa bawat Kawiteño. Mahalaga man ang sasakyan na ito para sa akin, higit naman na mas mahalaga ang kapakanan at kalusugan ng aking nasasakupan. Kaya’t ang buong proceeds po ng auction na iyon ay ilalaan po natin sa mga programa para sa ating mga senior citizens lalo na sa kasagsagan ng krisis na ito.

Hindi po biro ang problemang dala ng COVID-19 sa ating bayan, at hindi rin biro ang kakailanganing gastusin para rito. Walang kasiguraduhan kung kailan talaga matatapos ang krisis na ito, kaya naman handa akong gawin ang lahat para makatulong sa lahat ng Kawiteño.

The bid, as we write this, is now at P5.9 million. Interested buyers may bid until Sunday (April 26). We’re sure the final amount will go a long way toward helping the senior residents of Kawit with their needs. It’s not just the money that’s important here. Just the knowledge that your top local government official is willing to part with a nice car just to provide for senior citizens is a huge morale booster. We tip our hat to Mayor Aguinaldo. Salute!