New York based Pinoy Taxi Driver receives posthumous diploma
New York based Pinoy taxi driver receives posthumos diploma, an honorary associate degree in nursing from a Manhattan-based school. The said Filipino will be among the graduates of the Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing.
Sulpico 51, died of colon cancer at his home in Jaro District who was held hero in 2004 after returning a black pearl left a passenger in his taxi cab worth $75,000.
School officials have invited Philippine Consul General to New York Cecilia Rebong to accept Nestor’s honorary degree and relay it to Sulpico’s family in Iloilo City.
“He was so close to fulfilling his dream and he would have made a wonderful, caring nurse … his spirit and his deeds will continue to inspire us,” said Kwon.
Kwon is among those organizing a memorial book that will be given to Sulpico’s family.
“We want to pay tribute to Nestor in our own small way,” Luanne Kwon, a close friend and classmate, said in the statement.
Separated from his wife, Sulpico had dreamt of becoming a nurse because he had wanted to bring his 20-year-old daughter Angel with him to the United States.
Angel, a second year nursing student in New York, welcomed her father’s honorary degree.
“I’m happy that even if Papa is not here anymore his school and classmates gave him recognition because being a nurse was what he wanted so that we could have a better life,” she said.
The said Pinoy Taxi driver drew international praise and was named “New York City’s most honest taxi driver” after he returned a back pack containing black pearls belonging to Lawrence Policastro a hedge-fund manager.
Policastro raised at least $5,000 to help Sulpico finish his nursing studies. Sulpico also receives an “integrity award” and a symbolic key to the city from Mayor Bloomberg.
Sulpico enrolled in the nursing school shortly after gaining fame for his honesty. He received a scholarship but continued to drive a taxi. He also drew praise and recognition in the Philippines and especially his hometown in Iloilo City where he was given a hero’s welcome when he came home.
Via online news site The News Today
