Yolanda fireman gets posthumous award

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) paid tribute and posthumously conferred the Parangal sa Lingkod Bayani to a fireman who disappeared at the height of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) in 2013.

Sabu Espina, a firefighter of Bacolod-Silay Airport, was on an official trip to Tacloban City to assist in the repair of airport firetrucks when Yolanda hit. 

After the typhoon, Espina was nowhere to be found.

For a few of years, Espina’s wife and three of their children remained hopeful that he was still alive.

But with their hopes dimming and search becoming futile, Espina’s sister wrote to the CSC for assistance.

On Aug. 16, director Ema Elizan of CSC Negros Occidental awarded the Parangal, with Bacolod-Silay Airport manager Martin Terre and other CAAP officials.

Marilyn, Espina’s wife, and their family received the posthumous citation and financial assistance.

“Sabu can fix anything that is broken. That is his talent,” said Lorena, Espina’s sister.

Espina’s Parangal included a scholarship grant to a member of his family in any Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges member school and a one-time financial assistance of P100,000 to his immediate family.

Bacolod-Silay Airport and CAAP praised Espina’s 24 years of service.

CAAP director general Jim Sydiongco pledged to find a plantilla position for Espina’s son, Mark Anthony, who is under contract of service as airport facility cleaner.

Sabu’s family said they have found the closure that they were looking for in almost five years.