Financial assistance, grants overflow for families of fallen Bulacan rescuers

Oct 1, 2022 06:39 PM

Financial assistance poured in for the families of five fallen rescuers during the special tribute organized by the provincial government of Bulacan to recognize their heroism.

TRIBUTE TO FIVE BULAKENYO HEROES -- The tribute to five fallen heroes of the Bulacan Rescue who perished while trying to save lives during the onslaught of super typhoon Karding was attended by their bereaved families, relatives, friends and colleagues, as well as the department heads and employees of the Provincial Government of Bulacan headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando. Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro and other local and national officials, agencies, and private sector organizations also graced the event at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Provincial Public Affairs Office)

The tribute, with the theme “Salamat at Paalam... Luksang Parangal para sa mga Bayaning Tagapaglistas!," was held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium on Friday afternoon, Sept. 30.

The fallen rescuers -- George E. Agustin from Iba O’ Este, Calumpit; Troy Justin P. Agustin from Sta. Rita, Guiguinto; Marby A. Bartlome from Bulihan, City of Malolos; Jerson L. Resurreccion from Catmon, Santa Maria; and Narciso Calayag, Jr. from the City of Malolos -- were given highest posthumous recognition by the Bulacan government.

Their respective families received the special plaques on behalf of them.

Various national and regional government agencies, and the private sector also gave cash gifts and scholarship grants to the bereaved families of the victims.

Bulacan Rescue, in partnership with Insular Life, gave P300,000, while the provincial government of Bulacan gave P200,000 to the victims’ families.

Katrina Keng, the daughter of Chairman Wilfredo Keng of the Century Peak Holding Corp. and the company's representative, handed P200,000 in financial support, along with a scholarship grant to one of the orphaned children from each family.

Al Tengco, the chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., donated P100,000.

The Angat Buhay Foundation and Bulacan Angat Buhay Volunteers of former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo also gave P10,000.

The Bulacan State University also offered scholarship grants to the children and students of the affected families.

Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando shouldered all the expenses for the funeral services and gave P100,000 from his own pocket to each family.

Fernando said that while no amount of financial aid will compensate for the loss of the five rescuers, the outpouring of support, honor, appreciation, and gratitude displayed not only from Bulakenyos but from all the Filipinos is a testament that their unfortunate demise was not wasted.

Jessa Agustin, the wife of Troy Justin, also expressed her appreciation for the special tribute and financial support that was given to them.