P-Noy honors Robredo search team, disaster response personnel

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday thanked the people that displayed heroism during the search for the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and the aftermath of the southwest monsoon.

In a speech during the Bakas Parangal ceremonies in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Aquino said that the persons involved in disaster response did not hesitate to help others despite the risks. “To our soldiers who wholeheartedly went to affected areas to lead the rescue operations, and the volunteer Juan and Juana de la Cruzes who offered their time and effort to help others, this occasion is for you and I thank you with all my heart,” Aquino said.

He said the people who waded through floodwaters never complained, even as many pointed out the inadequacies of the government in terms of disaster response.

“If you notice, every time there is a calamity, the first thing raised by some is what we do not have, that we lack this and that. You, who wade through floodwaters, have we heard any complaint from you?” Aquino said.

“It is clear to you that while we strive to enhance our equipment in responding to disasters, we need to act using what we have now,” he added.

Bakas comes from the words “Bayaning Likas,” a term that denotes the heroic nature of the awardees. The word is also the Tagalog word for footprint, which symbolizes the positive imprint of rescuers who risked their lives for others.

Aquino conferred medals and plaques on 36 individuals, 172 group leaders and 100 agencies and organizations during the awarding ceremony.

The awardees constitute the first batch of recipients of the Bakas Parangal, which is given to individuals and groups that performed extraordinary acts of selflessness during disasters.

The award has three categories: Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan, Bakas Parangal ng Kabayanihan and Bakas Parangal ng Kadakilaan.

The Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan is awarded to individuals “who exhibited extraordinary acts of bravery by extending assistance to those in need in times of disaster beyond the call of duty.”

They received a bronze medal with a footprint design. Among the recipients of the award are the Navy technical divers and foreign volunteers who searched for Robredo and pilots Jessup Bahinting and Kshitiz Chand. Robredo and the two pilots died in a plane crash off Masbate last month.

Poby Han, a Korean diver and one of the recipients of the award, said he is happy to help others who are in need.

“I have been here for nine years and I love the Philippines,” he said in an interview.

Danny Brumbach, the German diver who suffered from decompression sickness while conducting the search operations, said he did not expect the award.

Two soldiers, namely Tsgt. Elmer Abo and Pfc. Sammy Bersabe, also received the Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan for helping persons who nearly drowned due to the floods spawned by the southwest monsoon.

Abo and Bersabe rescued nine persons on board a boat that capsized in Araneta Avenue in Quezon City last Aug. 7.

Bakas Parangal ng Kadakilaan is given to groups or units who joined rescue efforts despite hardships. The awardees received a plaque of recognition that looks like a scroll.

On the other hand, the Bakas Parangal ng Kabayanihan is given to the leader of a unit that exhibited exemplary acts of heroism. Recipients of the award were given plaques.  

Congressional medal for Robredo

The House of Representatives conferred yesterday posthumously the Congressional Medal of Achievement on Robredo in simple ceremonies. Robredo’s widow Leni received the highest congressional citation from Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. for her late husband’s great contribution in good governance and his good work for the improvement of the local government unit when he served as a member of the Cabinet and mayor of Naga City.

Mrs. Robredo was accompanied by their youngest daughter Jillian and expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for the award.

The citation was given based on House Resolution 2678 authored by Belmonte, Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III, Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, and Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) also posthumously bestowed on Robredo a Plaque of Distinction honoring his contributions to reform the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Mrs. Robredo and daughter Jillian received the Plaque of Distinction.

Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Commissioner Eduardo Escueta, Napolcom commissioners Constancia de Guzman, Luisito Palmera, Alejandro Urro and ex-officio commissioner and Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome handed the plaque to Mrs. Robredo.  – With Paolo Romero, Mike Frialde