Fifteen-year-old Jayboy Magdadaro from Cebu is being hailed as a “teenage hero” after rescuing more than 50 people from a flash flood during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.
According to reports, Jayboy braved rising floodwaters and heavy rains to save stranded residents in Barangays Cotcot and Jubay in Liloan, Cebu last week.
The teenager reportedly spent nearly an entire day helping residents, including children, pregnant women, and elderly, transport to safety using a lifebuoy and a small boat.
“Kahit malakas ang tubig, pinilit kong tumulong kasi naririnig ko ang sigaw ng tao,” Jayboy shared in an interview with GMA News.
The young man further added that his love for skimboarding helped him develop the skills needed to navigate the floodwaters and carry out the rescue.
In recognition of his “heroic act,” the local government of Liloan announced that Jayboy will be granted a full scholarship until college.
“In a talk with Jboy at 10 AM today, Mayor Aljew informed Jboy and his mother, municipal sweeper Alma Magdadaro, that he will be given this scholarship until he finishes his studies as recognition for his heroic act of saving around 50 people who were trapped by the flood in Cotcot,” the municipality said in an official Facebook post.
Cebu Province was among the areas most heavily affected by Typhoon Tino, which left at least 200 people dead and affected more than a million families, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in its latest update on Tuesday.
