Gerald Anderson. Images: Instagram/@andersongeraldjr, X/@TmaeOsanomae
For his volunteer efforts in assisting victims of Typhoon Carina, actor Gerald Anderson was commended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and was awarded a “search and rescue medal”.
In a ceremony held at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Thursday, Anderson received the award from PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who commended the actor for his selfless act.
The award is usually given to individuals who did “exemplary” acts of conducting search and rescue that resulted in the preservation of life, and should be evidenced by voluntary participation in the face of great risk and sacrifice during such activity/operation.
Gerald Anderson during the PCG recognition of his exemplary service. Image from Nestor Corrales / Philippine Daily Inquirer
Anderson, who is an Army reservist and currently holds the rank of Auxiliary Commander at the PCG, went viral last month when he helped rescue a family, including a child, who were stranded in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Quezon City, due to the floods brought by Typhoon Carina. A video of the rescue was uploaded by a relative of the family on social media.
Another video was uploaded wherein the actor was seen wading through chest- and neck-deep floodwaters while navigating a makeshift boat to rescued individuals.
It wasn’t the first time the Kapamilya actor joined rescue efforts, as he was also in the thick of rescue operations during Typhoon Ondoy, earning praises from various groups.
PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, in a statement, also noted that Anderson “is always present during the Coast Guard’s relief operations and disaster rehabilitation.”
Balilo noted that Anderson continues to help Aetas in Zambales, recovering families in Marawi, and even donated medical supplies and tents during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.