Doctor who saved woman in MRT-3 mishap gets award

MANILA, Philippines — The medical intern who helped save a woman from losing her right arm following an accident at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) was named one of the awardees of the Department of Tourism (DOT)’s “Women of Significance” on Saturday night.

Charleanna Jandic, 27, provided emergency aid to Angeline Fernando, 24, whose arm was severed after she fell off the tracks at the MRT-3 Ayala station on Nov. 14.

Fernando’s arm was caught in between the first and second train cars.

Jandic stopped the bleeding of Fernando’s severed arm before she was taken to the hospital.

Doctors of the Makati Medical Center were able to reattach Fernando’s arm the following day.

Jandic described the incident as destiny as she decided to stay for a while at the train’s platform to avoid the rush of passengers getting off the station.

She said it was her first time to ride the MRT-3.

Jandic refused to be called a hero.

“Honestly, I find it weird to be called a hero. I just did what was right. I believe anyone with a medical background would have done the same. It just so happened that it was me,” she said.

Aside from Jandic, seven other women were recognized by the DOT for making a difference in the community during a gala night at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay.

The other awardees were Aileen Apostol, a special education teacher from Tacloban; Nadine Casiño, founder of Modern Nanays of Mindanao; Sol Balbero, Kanlungan sa ERMA executive director; SPO1 Esnairah Lucman of the Marawi police women contingent; filmmaker and screen writer Baby Nebrida; Nurture Wellness Village founder Catherine Brillantes-Turvill, and former tourism secretary Mina Gabor.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo led the awarding rites, which capped the Miss Universe delegation’s visit to the Philippines.

Teo lauded the awardees for their contributions in women empowerment and promotion of Filipino values.