One of the most popular destinations in picturesque Batanes is the Honesty Cafe. There is no menu. You order some food and drinks. Then, you pay for it according to how much you think your food and drinks are worth. It is called the “honesty cafe” because it operates on the honesty system. No menu, prices, or guides. Just your honesty and your conscience. In Davao, we have an honesty store within a university. And more recently, the Davao honesty jeep.

Honesty establishments are popular all over the world. These are usually cafes and souvenir shops in small cities and towns. They operate on the good faith that people will take only what they need. And will pay for it accordingly. Payment is left in a provided receptacle. Customers can even take their change from the pool of cash.

Davao Honesty Jeep

Just before the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented, a video taken with a mobile phone went viral. Repurposed containers of Shell Rimula Engine Oil were used as dividers within a jeepney.

The containers were strategically placed in the long seats of the jeep. These dividers made sure that passengers practice social distancing, as prescribed.

More than just dividers, the repurposed oil containers also functioned as payment receptacles.

Instead of requiring passengers to pass payment from one hand to another until it reaches the driver or jeepney conductor, passengers just had to put their payment in the containers.

Ingenuity and Innovation

The dividers were borne out of necessity. Davao City implemented a limitation on jeepneys before ECQ. Only six to ten passengers per jeepney. The city also imposed stringent hygiene protocols.

This inspired many jeepney drivers to create their own dividers. And to employ unique ways to collect payments safely.

The driver exhibited ingenuity and encouraged honesty. All the while also providing a bit of wholesome levity to an otherwise serious situation.

Continue reading →