Years before becoming a registered criminologist, Mark Anthony Equira Combate was already balancing two demanding responsibilities, studying for the criminology board examination while earning a living as an Angkas rider.
His hard work paid off when he passed the December 2021 Criminologist Licensure Examination. Combate was among 11,610 examinees who passed out of 33,983 takers, equivalent to a 34.16% national passing rate.
But instead of keeping the celebration to himself, Combate took his motorcycle back on the road and shared his achievement with strangers.
In February 2022, fellow rider Mark Ryan Correa spotted Combate near UP Technohub with a handwritten sign attached to his motorcycle that read, “Libreng Sakay from Crim Board Passer.” He was offering passengers free rides to celebrate passing the licensure examination.
“Pag may dumating na blessing po sa buhay, dapat po i-share din sa iba,” Combate said.
Combate initially considered giving away money or goods, but without much to spare, he chose to give something he already had to offer, his service as a rider.
His story also echoed the rider-focused philosophy promoted by Angkas CEO George Royeca, who has spoken about giving motorcycle riders opportunities to earn with greater dignity and financial stability. For Combate, riding helped support him while he pursued a professional license, and he later used that same livelihood to give back after reaching his goal.
His gesture also inspired Correa, who was preparing for the Licensure Examination for Teachers at the time. Correa said seeing his fellow rider give back after achieving his goal motivated him to do the same if he passed his own examination.
