CEBU CITY – Typhoon "Tino" claimed more than 30 lives in Liloan town, Cebu province. It could have been more if not for the heroics of this teen.

Jayboy Magdadaro, a 15-year-old resident of Barangay Jubay, Liloan, has become the talk of the town when he saved at least 50 residents when Tino battered Cebu on Nov. 4.

For his heroics, Magdadaro earned not just praises but also forms of rewards that could help secure his future.

Mayor Aljew Frasco met Magdadaro on Tuesday, Nov. 11, where he announced the granting of scholarships to the son of a municipal sweeper.

“We will shoulder your studies until you graduate,” Frasco told Magdadaro, a Grade 9 student at the Jubay Intregrated School in Liloan.

In his meeting with Frasco, Magdadaro narrated what transpired on the day that Tino struck.

“We moved to another house because our house is already dilapidated,” said Magdadaro in Cebuano.

According to the teen, the house where they sought refuge was flooded. Luckily for them, Magdadaro’s family was rescued.

While at the evacuation center, Magdadaro took the courage of saving tapped residents.

Magdadaro found a boat that was left by rescuers at the evacuation center.

“There were so many people crying for help. Some were already on the roofs. They were crying. I was confused who to save first because there were children and elderly people crying for help,” said Magdadaro.

Magdadaro recounted a mother struggling to save her children.

“The typhoon has actually subsided but there was flashflood. The water grew chin-deep. One child was almost left behind by his mother but I grabbed him,” he said.

As if his efforts of saving lives were not enough, Magdadaro drew more admiration for helping people without expecting anything in return.

At the time, the people that Magdadaro saved him thanked profusely. Some even offered cash as a reward.

“I told them to keep the money. There was a typhoon and they needed the money for their needs,” said Magdadaro.

Being selfless is something that Magdadaro learned from his parents.

“My parents are very helpful and hardworking. I learned this from them,” Magdadaro said.

Magdadaro’s bravery and selflessness have become so known that even a barangay captain in Cebu City has stepped in to recognize him.

Mabolo Barangay Captain Daniel Francis Arguedo offered Magdadaro a college scholarship and a P3,000 monthly allowance.

Not only that, several individuals have also offered Magdadaro new clothes and a new phone.

“I am very thankful,” Magdadaro said.(