MANILA, Philippines – While the US has its list of 25 most influential teens, we have an endless list of teens with stories worth sharing.
We might not have a list that includes Hollywood stars and A-listers, but we have our very own teenage-hero, Rodelyn Molina.
In line with the Children’s Month, an event celebrated at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and the rest of the country each October, Molina spoke before a shrine full of Baclaran devotees last Sunday, as stated in a CBCP News report.
At the age of 11 years old, Molina proved that age is not a hindrance in doing what is right. In December 2011, Molina walked through the surging fire following a plane crash in Lower Taiwan Extension, Barangay Don Bosco to save a three-year-old child.
The both of them were then rushed to the hospital but the toddler unfortunately did not make it.
Molina sustained third-degree burns and almost got her leg amputated for pulling the child away from accident site. She was later commended and recognized by the Parañaque City local government and given a plaque of appreciation. She will also receive a P50,000 cash reward, in accordance with the city council’s resolution.
Now 15 years old, the disfigured Molina said that she is often teased by people because of the wounds she sustained from saving the three-year-old. But it is not the scarred face or numerous accolades that really matter to her.
According to Molina, the fact that she knows in her heart that the child she saved is already at a place far better than the one she had left behind is what makes her selfless bravery worth every scar and cruel taunts.