Talisay SP to give recognition to girl whosaved brother from fire

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council will recognize the act of nine-year-old girl Rhea Signcol Tisoy as heroic.

Tisoy saved her one-year-old brother Rayven when their house in sitio Hanod in barangay Bulacao caught fire last week.

"Her fearless heroism is worthy of note and while no offering can properly relay this august body's gratitude for her bravery and courage, it is most appropriate that we should honor Miss Rhea Singcol Tisoy to the full extent of our ability," according to Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, who will be sponsoring a resolution to give her recognition.

The city council will passed the resolution this coming Tuesday.

The Tisoy family's abode was one of five houses that was destroyed by fire last Monday.

Rhea, a student of Bulacao Elementary School, is the daughter of Antonio and Rochelle Tisoy.

Cebu City Councilor and Provincial Board Member candidate Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba has already offered Rhea free education until college.

She will be given a full scholarship to study in Southwestern University.

Alcoseba said the girl's courage and sense of filial loyalty deserve praise and a reward.

Rhea will be enrolled next year in SWU's Basak Campus.

But with a death in the family - her cousin Mark Lester died in the fire - Rhea said she regretted not being able to save one more life.

She said she tried to save 3-year-old cousin Mark Lester but was met by flames when she tried to enter the room where the boy was playing with his twin brother Mark Anthony, who was rescued by another family member.

Fire investigators said the fire started in that room, where there were combustible materials used by the family in making wooden images of the Sto. Niño. (FREEMAN)