Honors await nursing student who helps wounded vendor

CEBU, Philippines — The National Youth Commission-Visayas is set to give an award to Angyl Faith Ababa, a nursing student at the University of Cebu, for her heroic act of helping a vendor who was slashed in the neck by her partner due to jealousy.

NYC’s regional cluster head Guian Paulo Godofredo said they are preparing to give the Kabayani Award to Ababa for rescuing 54-year-old Bernadeta Zamora, a mango fruit vendor who was slashed in the neck by her own live-in partner identified as Edwin Salazar last January 30, 2023, along along Plaridel Street in downtown Cebu City.

Godofredo said Ababa’s act is considered heroic, not only for helping someone but for risking her own life as the suspect may get back at the said nursing student.

Ababa earlier said she had some hesitation at first as there were other pre-med students around, but decided to help when no one else responded.

Such as is, according to Godofredo, is one-of-a-kind and an inspiration for other youth.

Earlier, the Cebu City Police Office also expressed its appreciation to Ababa and is set to give her due recognition.

On the other hand, Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon also pushed for the City Council to commend Ababa and her school, UC-Banilad campus.

“Such heroic act by Ms. Ababa is worth emulation and praise as it restores Cebuanos’ faith in humanity,” part of Gealon’s proposed resolution reads.

Likewise, Gealon also looked to commend UC-Banilad “for honing students who respond to the needs of the people and for teaching them the basics, especially in wound care.” — Rowena D. Capistrano, GM (FREEMAN)