THE Tacloban City Government has awarded four media practitioners who perished when Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) made its landfall in the city in November 2013.
“We may miss their voices on air, but they left behind the legacy of love of service,” said City Councilor Cristina Gonzales during the 7th Sangyaw Posthumous Awards on Friday nigh, June 19, at the Robinsons Tacloban Movieworld.
"By choice, they opted to stay and be of service to the people of Tacloban, in exchange of sacrificing their lives and family," she added.
DYBR Kaugop radio announcers Archie Globio and Malou Realino, as well as dyVL Aksyon Radio reporter Ronald Viñas and technician Allan Medino did not survive the wrath of Yolanda.
Globio and Realino fought for their lives, but got lost together when storm surges whipped by powerful winds hit their radio stations.
Viñas, who was seen last at the station’s door, eventually disappeared and his body is still missing.
Medino, who went back inside the station to secure radio equipments, did not make it and his body was seen besides radio equipment inside the announcer's booth.
In recognition to their valor act of service, the Tacloban City Government, through Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez and wife Cristina, the Sangyaw Festival executive committee chair together with its officers handed over the award to the families and friends of journalists.
Their colleagues described Medino as a jolly guy, while Viñas was a serious one. Globio and Realino share the same traits of being competent, loyal, on time and devoted to their work.
Equally given recognition were five firemen who also died while rescuing others, namely, Ricardo Raga, Marius Andre Sison, Melquiades Baguio, Rolando Cinco and Felix Miranda.
“We take pride in honoring such a noble deed, they left behind the legacy of service, which will be closely treasured,” Romualdez said. (PNA)