Bohol town honors its "earthquake heroes"

ANTEQUERA, BOHOL, Philippines — Officials of this town, during the 138th Foundation Day celebration, have honored their "heroes" of the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted this basket capital town on Oct. 15, last year.

Mayor Jose Mario Pahang and Vice Mayor Simon Jadulco led town officials in handing over a plaque of recognition to each of the 59 heroes of the quake, as a tribute to their help and sacrifice of their safety in different capacities and scenarios to save other lives. 

One of the heroes, Sabino Barace of Barangay Obujan, narrated to The Freeman how he and other volunteeers were able to save a man whose house was toppled by the tremor.

Sabino, thankful of the unexpected recognition he received from the LGU, was still helping, together with his neighbors, in rebuilding the house of 81-year-old Nicanora Aleria, whose previous dwelling was smashed by earthquake.

Obujan Barangay Chairperson Marcelina Descallar said that, aside from Sabino and his son Armand, other recipients of the heroes' award were Felix Renoblas, Hipolito A. Barace, Hipolito E. Barace, Garry Ramiso, Rogelio Menguito Jr., Eutemio Bastasa, Rogelio Sagarino, Diosdado Descallar, Ferdinand Hibaya, Pedro Baroco, Rene Ramiso, Joel Barace, Santos Luna and Jonathan Cañete.

Based on a list provided by Russel Eustacio Villas  Jr., Municipal Council secretary, the awardees from Brgy. Poblacion were Homer Balais, Lamberto Robante, Luciano Tambis, Jose Felesimo Rebosura, Raymond Raguindin, Lope Cagol Jr. and Felcris Gementiza, while from Brgy. Tagubaas, it was Ian Lee Ollanas.

From Brgy. Villa Aurora, they were Rio Marilla, Jerome Alturas, Joseph Pamulagan, Apronio Gementiza, Joel Sarabia, Gervasio Gementiza, Joel Sarabia, Gervasio Gementiza, Eusebio Gementiza, Enerio Gementiza, Efren Getigan, Joseph Doysabas, Rowen Tolop and Arnel Gementiza, while from Brgy. Tabuan, they were Eulalio Guillano, Ronald Lagura and Cirila Coquilla.

From Brgy. Danao, they were Ernesto Demit, Joselito Vigonte, Amancia Malacad, Joel Legaspi, Lisa Renoblas, Aurea Valleser, Crispin Baluca, Rolando Lurot, Eleazer Hermosisima, Arjea Valleser, Gerardo Quibel  Jr.  and  Geraldine Vallestero.

From Brgy. Angilan, they were Gualberto Rabuya, Philip Paña, Gerardo Pacot, Nicasio Gumila, Felisicimo Lapay, Philip Paña, Jose Ligan and Rufino Ligan. (FREEMAN)