CITY OF SAN FERNANDO The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) honored over the weekend the five rescuers of Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office who died during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Karding.
The rescuers — George Agustin, Troy Justin Agustin, Marby Bartolome, Jerson Resurrecion, and Narciso Calayag Jr. — drowned while trying to rescue flood victims in San Miguel, Bulacan.
To honor their bravery, the NDRRMC awarded to the fallen rescuers’ families the Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan.
The Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan is one of the prestigious recognitions bestowed by the NDRRMC to individuals who “exhibited extraordinary acts of bravery by extending assistance to those in need in times of disaster beyond the call of duty.”
It is also a recognition of merit and token of thanksgiving bestowed by the NDRRMC to individuals or groups “who have exerted exemplary and extraordinary acts of selflessness in reaching out to those who are in urgent need of assistance in times of calamities and disasters.”
Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Raymundo B. Ferrer, and Office of Civil Defense Regional Office 3 Regional Director Cesar M. Idio, led the awarding of plaque, certificate, and cash assistance to each of the families of the fallen heroes.
In his message, Ferrer lauded the bravery and selflessness of the rescuers.
“Ang Bulacan po ay nabansagang Land of the Heroes. Naniniwala po ako na pinatotohanan po ng ating mga rescuers na totoo ito. Sana po ay maging halimbawa ang ipinakita nilang kabayanihan at tularan lalo na po ng ating mga kabataan,” he said.