Iloilo teacher-hero honored
AP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—A teacher from Concepcion, Iloilo, who died while saving several children at the height of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) on November 8, will be honored for his heroism.
The family of Rogelio Lardera, a teacher at Concepcion Central School, will receive a posthumous award from the Department of Education.
Lardera, 52, known to his students as “Sir Elyong,” volunteered to be part of the Manaphag Quick Response Team in Concepcion, a coastal municipality.
He was part of the team that responded to a distress call from residents of Bacjawan Sur, a coastal area.
On their way back, their truck was hit by a falling tree and Lardera was thrown out of the truck.
His body was found after the supertyphoon passed.
“To be a teacher is to have a remarkable life,” Education Secretary Armin Luistro said in a statement.
“Lardera, at the cost of his own life, saved the lives of several children at the height of Yolanda. His selflessness inspires us all,” he said.
Lardera is survived by wife Leonora Tabares and four children, the youngest of whom is 10 years old.
He will be given a posthumous award as a municipal hero on December 8.
