New nets, scholarships and livelihood assistance were the reward for the bravery of young fishers Elorde Naga, 12, and his adopted brother Rico Cayabyab, 15, who were out at sea with their father Edgar and uncle Crispulo at dawn on Nov. 11 as the family rescued 15 of the 34 passengers aboard the crashed Laoag International Airlines (LIA) Fokker-27 after it ditched into Manila Bay.
LIA president Jose Miranda said this, adding that LIA would also provide the Naga patriarch and his brother with new fishing nets in appreciation for their help in rescuing the survivors of ill-fated LIA Flight 585.
The scholarships were given to Elorde and Rico by LIA in "heartfelt recognition of their bravery that belied their tender age."
Miranda said LIA is also extending a helping hand to the families of the 19 people who died that day by giving scholarships to the first-born children of any father who died in the crash.
"The loss of a breadwinner in the family is a tragedy unto itself," Miranda said. "Notwithstanding possible insurance benefits which the victims may be able to claim, Laoag Air, on its own, is trying to reach out and commiserate with the victims with this offer."
The LIA president also said "our hope is that with the victim’s firstborn being able to finish one’s studies, he or she will be able to support the other children who may be left by the fatality."
Of the 15 crash survivors, three were saved by Rico and Elorde. The Naga family was among those who attended the requiem Mass celebrated aboard the BRP Edsa II at the crash site Monday.