EI Mei Lee Maningo with her Pomeranian pet dogs during a council session at the Mandaue City Hall on Monday, Dec. 15. (Photo via Calvin Cordova)
CEBU CITY – Workers and visitors took turns taking selfies with two adorable Pomeranian dogs at the Mandaue City Hall on Monday, Dec. 15.
Miyah, 3, and Kayen, 2, were given rockstar treatment at the City Hall. Their presence there would not have been possible if not for the heroics of their fur mom Ei Mei Lee Maningo.
Maningo brought the two dogs to the City Hall where she was recognized for her heroic act of saving Miyah and Kayen during a fire in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue last week.
Maningo’s brave act of saving the two dogs from a burning commercial building went viral online, earning praises from netizens.
The two dogs sat beside their owner as the council awarded her a plaque of recognition.
The two dogs got their own “rewards” as during the council session, the Island Rescue Organization gave them food, treats, and other gifts.
Councilor Jennifer Del Mar authored the resolution commending Maningo’s heroics.
Del Mar said Maningo showed courage, quick thinking, and devotion, putting the safety of her pets above her own during the emergency.
Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano also commended Maningo.
“In the face of fire and fear, love chose to stay. We salute you Ei Mei Lee Maningo for your presence of mind, courage,” Ouano said.
The fire broke out on Dec. 10 in a styrofoam warehouse inside a three-story commercial building in Sitio Santo Niño, Barangay Guizo.
A stay-in employee, Maningo was on the third floor of the building when she noticed thick smoke.
In the viral video, Maningo was seen at a balcony as thick black smock billowed from the burning building.
Maningo could have escaped right away but she rushed to a room where the two pets were. She was later seen throwing the dogs to the rescuers on the ground before escaping through a ladder set up by firefighters.