Co-sponsorship Speech
(PSR 233, 238, 239, 240 - Bulacan Rescue Team)
September 27, 2022

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, it is my profound honor to stand as co-sponsor of Senate Resolution Numbers 233, 238, 239, and 240, honoring the life of service of Bulacan Rescue Team Members, namely George E. Agustin, Troy Justin P. Agustin, Marby A. Bartolome, Jerson L. Resurreccion, and Narciso Calayag, Jr., expressing the profound sympathy and sincere condolences of the Senate on their unfortunate passing.

Today, I am sure that the sponsorship and co-sponsorship speeches of my colleagues will not be remiss in relating to this body the story of Typhoon Karding. Every painful detail will perhaps be shared with all of us. How, in a matter of 24 hours, it managed to intensify into a Severe Tropical Storm. How, in the following morning, it reached the Super Typhoon Category.

And indeed, with the damage that Karding has done to both life and property, no one could deny its strength. No one could deny its power.

And yet, Mr. President, neither could we ever deny the strength and power of the Filipino. While Karding was busy destroying whatever blocked its way, Filipinos all over the affected areas were busy, too - helping each other, responding to those who might need rescue. Through it all, the Filipino spirit of selflessness also intensified rapidly, from mere individuals, to households and families, to communities, and the entire country.

This is exactly why the example of George Agustin, Troy Justin Agustin, Marby Bartolome, Jerson Resurreccion, and Narciso Calayag Jr. is worth admiring and emulating. Sa panahong may malakas na bagyo, pinili ng limang ito na harapin ang nasabing bagyo, dala ang lakas ng kanilang loob, at tibay ng kanilang pagmamahal sa kapwa.

Sa labanang ito, iniisip marahil ng iba na si Karding ang nagwagi. I daresay, however, Mr. President, that while Karding may have won the battle, it was these five members of the Bulacan Rescue Team, the PDRRMC, who won the war. Dahil ang sinumang lumalaban sa ngalan ng kanilang kapwa ay hinding hindi matatalo, Mr. President.

I take this chance to express my condolences and sympathy towards the bereaved families of these noble men. At the same time, we know that condolences and sympathies are hardly enough.

The Bulacan Rescue Team must be flooded with high praises. As fellow Filipinos, we must face, with a stubborn refusal, the tendency to forget them. We refuse to let their memories be washed away from our minds and hearts. The memory of who they were and of this noble, final act, must live on. Imbes na si Karding lamang ang ating maaalala, nawa'y mas maaalala natin ang kabayanihan nina George, Troy, Marby, Jerson, at Narciso Jr.

Thank you, Mr. President.