Awards, pledges pour for 2 nursing students

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is set to give an award to the two nursing students from the University of Cebu for their heroic deed in saving the life of a vendor who was slashed in the neck by her partner.

Aside from the award, the mayor is also looking into giving the nursing students a job at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) once they already have their licenses.

Rama, in yesterday’s press conference, said they have already discussed the matter to include the two nursing students, Angyl Fayth Ababat and Kristianne Joice Ona, as recipients of the Mayor’s Award during Cebu City’s Charter Day celebration this February 24.

Aside from that, Rama also said they are checking on other awards that the two nursing students deserve.

More to it, Rama also agrees to offer the two students a job at CCMC when they have already graduated and have already passed their board exams.

“Why not? Buhatan na daan ug pledge of commitment,” Rama said.

This promise, however, will be easier to realize if they get their licenses before the 2025 elections.

Rama’s current term as city mayor ends in 2025.

The two students also got recognition yesterday from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) as “modern-day” heroes.

A plaque of recognition was personally handed by CCPO Chief, Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, to the two nursing students.

Right after the awarding, both Ababat and Ona went to the office of City Councilor Rey Gealon, who also gave them gifts including a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope from his own money, along with gift packs of school and household materials.

Through Gealon’s initiative as well, both Ababat and Ona got full scholarship grants for the caregiving course - NCII courtesy of St. James Academy, food products from KJB Merchandising, and a bouquet of flowers from Reglins Flower Shop.

Gealon said the caregiving course scholarship is transferable to whoever the two want to give it to in case they will not use it.

Ababat and Ona are overwhelmed with the recognition they received, but said, more than anything, they are hoping for the fruit vendor Bernardeta Zamora’s immediate full recovery. —  Alan Domingo, GAN (FREEMAN)