2 UC nursing students to receive awards during Charter Day fete

THE Cebu City Government is set to award the two nursing students who helped save the life of a mango vendor during the city’s Charter Day celebration on Feb. 24, 2023.

Though he has yet to provide specifics on the award, Mayor Michael Rama assured that Angyl Fayth Ababat and Kristianne Joice Noelle Ona will be given a commendation during the city’s Charter Day celebration.

In a press conference on Monday, Feb. 6, Rama said that aside from the commendation they plan to give, he also plans to allow Ababat and Ona to work for the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) once they finish their studies and get their licenses by the year 2025 or 2026.

“Why not? They can (be taken in by CCMC) because courage is elusive, and they displayed courage,” Rama said.

Ababat and Ona received praise for their act of saving Bernadeta Zamora, 54, from bleeding to death right after her neck was slashed by Edwin Salazar, her live-in partner, in downtown Cebu City on Jan. 30.

Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon, through a resolution, also extended the City Council’s appreciation for Ababat and Ona. He also gave them the medical instruments and scholarships for a National Certification 2 Caregiving course from St. James Academy.

According to Gealon, the awards were given for “the heroic act of immediately attending and medically intervening to a critically injured stranger who was razorly slashed by the neck, thereby saving her life and consequently, displaying compassion and concern for your fellowmen which restores faith in humanity.”

CCPO awarding

Before Rama’s press conference, officials of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) also gave plaques of recognition to Ababat and Ona during a flag-raising ceremony on Monday.

Aside from the plaques, CCPO Director Col. Ireneo Dalogdog also gave out envelopes containing cash to the two nursing students.

Dalogdog, however, did not reveal the amount but said it was enough to cover their transportation costs.

The two second year nursing students of University of Cebu Banilad campus were overjoyed by their enormous blessings.

Ababat and Ona said they just offered assistance and did not expect for a reward.

“Makagaan sa feelings nga nakatabang mi,” Ababat said.

(It feels so good that we were able to help someone.)

“A big thank you sa pag-recognize sa among life. A little help lang unta sa amoa, pero grabe ilang pag-recognize,” Ona, for her part, said.

In addition to the CCPO award, the Mandaue Eagles Club also presented them with a plaque of appreciation.

Ababat revealed that they will visit Zamora in the coming days in the hospital to check how she is doing.

“I’m hoping nga si Nanay (Bernadeta Zamora) she’ll live a long life pa gyud after this. She’ll receive peace na sad gani kay finally kay that man is now behind bars,” she added.

Zamora was already out of danger after receiving treatment in a hospital, the CCPO said. (AYB, Eiver Ky Villegas, USJ-R Intern/ TPT)