Aquino honors 'Yolanda' relief workers who survived chopper crash

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III awarded two social workers who survived a helicopter crash during the relief operations for the victims of Super Typhoon "Yolanda."

In his speech during the 63rd anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Aquino made special mention to Danny Bitara and Noemi Mongaya, both employees of the agencies, for risking their lives to complete their relief mission.

"Kayo ang ehemplo ng mga tunay na tagapaglingkod ng mamamayang Pilipino," Aquino told the social workers in a speech on Thursday.

Mongaya and Bitara were DSWD field officers who survived a helicopter crash on their way to a relief work in La Paz, Leyte on Dec. 6, 2013.

In an interview with state-run People's Television, Bitara recounted how the helicopter accident happened when their pilot was forced to land for a second time.

"Parang hinigop kami ng malakas na hangin. Gumewang na po yung helicopter at bumagsak kami nang madalian," he said.

But both Bitara and Mongaya said the recent accident won't stop them from serving the public.

"Hindi po ako nagsisisi na nangyari sa akin ito. Bagkus, malaking hamon po ito sa akin para mas magtrabaho ako nang maigi," Bitara said.

For her part, Mongaya said she has fully accepted her job and the potential dangers it brings, particularly in times of disasters.

"Gusto ko lang po talagang gampanan ang trabaho ko as social worker," she said. "Tinatanggap ko po iyon ng buong puso."