SPEAKER Martin Romualdez yesterday presented House Resolution 16 to the bereaved families of five fallen rescuers of Bulacan, who have died while rescuing people affected by Typhoon Karding.

The resolution honors the heroic deeds of the five rescuers from the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

The House of Representatives also provided the families some financial assistance.

Adopted last September 28, 2022, the resolution recognized the bravery of Narciso Calayag Jr., Jerson Resurreccion, Marby Bartolome, George Agustin, and Troy Justin Agustin, who all died performing their duty to save people’s lives in Barangay Kamias in San Miguel, Bulacan at the height of the onslaught of super typhoon “Karding.”

Romualdez received the families of the ill-fated Bulacan rescuers at his office at the House of Representatives where he handed them a copy of the House resolution and the financial assistance.

He also reiterated his gratitude and admiration for the dedication to duty of the rescue personnel who performed their task without hesitation in a bid to save others even at the risk of their own lives.

“We will not forget your sacrifice and heroism, Narciso Calayag Jr., Jerson Resurreccion, Marby Bartolome, George Agustin, and Troy Justin Agustin. We will keep you in our prayers,” Romualdez said.

Speaking on behalf of the kin of the five fallen Bulacan rescuers, Michelle Resurreccion—wife of team leader of the group Jerson Ressurecion—thanked the House of Representatives and everyone for the outpouring of support and assistance they received, as well as the recognition of the ultimate sacrifice of their loved ones.

“Sa lahat po ng tulong na bumuhos at aming natanggap, at ngayon po sa parangal at tulong na inyong pinagkaloob dito sa Kongreso taos-puso po ang pasasalamat namin. Salamat po sa pagpapahalaga sa sakripisyong ginawa nilang lima,” she said.

Michelle also took the opportunity to appeal to the lawmakers to provide better benefits for all personnel tasked to respond to emergency situations and times of calamity.

“Kung ang buhay po ng lima naming mahal sa buhay ang magiging kapalit upang mapabuti ang mga nagbubuwis ng buhay sa panahon ng sakuna ay buong puso namin tatanggapin basta po sana hindi mawalan ng saysay ang kanilang sakripisyo,” she added.

The House resolution was introduced by Speaker Romualdez, House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos, Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre.

“The five rescuers gave their lives in the service of others, thus, they are worthy of commendation and emulation by all Filipinos as they exuded heroism, patriotism, bravery, and dedication to public service,” the resolution pointed out.

It noted that while in the conduct of their rescue mission, the rescuers were wading through the flood when a wall collapsed on them, and were dragged away by the raging flood. Because of the strong current of the flash flood that swept them, none of the five rescuers survived.