13/11/2025
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In times of disaster, it is rare to find individuals willing to risk everything for the sake of others. Yet, amid the relentless floods brought by Typhoon Tino, a 15-year-old boy from Liloan, Cebu showed the world that true courage is not measured by age.
Jayboy Magdadaro did not hesitate for a moment to confront danger head-on. Armed with nothing more than a small boat, he spent nearly an entire day braving chest-deep floodwaters, paddling tirelessly, and wading through strong currents to rescue 55 residents trapped inside their homes. His actions were a testament to a heart driven by compassion and an unyielding sense of duty to his fellow human beings.
โEven though the water was strong, I kept helping because I could hear people screaming for help,โ Jayboy said. His words, though simple, carry immense weight, reflecting a spirit willing to put others before himself, a selflessness often rare even among adults.
The extraordinary bravery of this young hero did not go unnoticed. Recognizing his courage and selflessness, Barangay Captain Atty. Daniel Francis Arguedo awarded Jayboy a full scholarship covering all college expenses, along with a โฑ3,000 monthly allowance. This scholarship allows Jayboy to pursue any course he wishes at any university in the country, a fitting reward for a young life dedicated to the service of others.
โThe courage Jayboy has shown goes far beyond what his age would suggest,โ said the barangay captain. โHe is an inspiration, a reminder that our youth can possess hearts filled with heroism, compassion, and integrity.โ
Jayboyโs courage was not only a product of his determination but also of his skills and hobbies. As an avid skimboarder, he developed physical strength, balance, and endurance, abilities that proved invaluable while navigating the treacherous floodwaters. What began as a recreational passion became a lifeline for his neighbors in peril.
In every wave and in every gust of the storm, there are stories of quiet heroism. Yet, few shine as brightly as Jayboyโs. His actions remind us that the true strength of Filipinos lies not only in resilience but in the hearts of the youth who know how to love, to care, and to rise bravely in the face of danger.
Jayboy Magdadaroโs story is more than a tale of bravery, it is a beacon of hope, a symbol of courage, and a testament to the enduring Filipino spirit. We salute you, Jayboy Magdadaro, the Heroic Skimboarder of Liloan, whose courage and compassion illuminate the path for others to follow.