Gerald Anderson awarded Search and Rescue Medal for 'heroic acts' during monsoon, Typhoon Carina
The Philippine Coast Guard (PGC) awarded actor Gerald Anderson, an auxiliary commander, a Search and Rescue Medal for his "heroic acts" when the southwest monsoon or habagat and Typhoon Carina brought heavy rains and flooded several areas in the country last July.
In a Facebook post, PCG Admiral Ronnie Gavan commended Anderson for his "heroic acts" and "selfless service of rescuing trapped residents amid massive flooding at Barangay Santo Domingo, Quezon City."
Vice Admiral Jorge Lim, national director of the PCG Auxiliary, also took note of Anderson's "continued support towards the accomplishment of PCGA mandates." He also announced the 35-year-old actor getting the PCG medal in their national headquarters in Port Area in Manila.
For his part, PCG spokesperson CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said Anderson has been an active partner of the Command especially during humanitarian and disaster response operations.
“He is always present during the Coast Guard’s relief operations and disaster rehabilitation. He 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," Balilio said.
"Together with Auxiliary Ensign Julia Barretto and other PCGA members, Auxiliary CDR Anderson also donated bags filled with school supplies for the children of Pag-Asa Island,” he added. Barretto is Anderson's girlfriend.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Anderson thanked the PCG recognizing his efforts, but pointed out that he shares the award with other rescuers, volunteers, and donors.
Though there were risks in his actions, Anderson said his training in water search and rescue played a crucial role during the rains and flooding.
"Not necessarily kailangan nila gawin yun, ako kasi bata pa lang nag-swimming na ako," he said of other volunteers. "It's not something I'm encouraging people to do, but there's always different ways [to help]."
Anderson said he wants to establish a dedicated search and rescue team in collaboration with the PCG. The team, which aims to be ready for deployment during calamities, seeks to include his fellow celebrities.
"Gusto ko talaga magbuo ng search and rescue team na who will be ready anytime," he said. "Kasama 'yung ibang celebrity friends who are also willing. Because of what happened, na-encourage sila maging part ng squadron namin."
Anderson made the rounds online during the onslaught of the Carina-enhanced habagat after he was spotted helping a family stranded in a flooded area in the barangay.
On X, user @TmaeOsanomae posted a video of Anderson in waist-deep flood while interacting with survivors who thanked him for the assistance.
Thank you gelard #CarinaPH pic.twitter.com/0BB5bPZ3SN
— Tmae (@TmaeOsanomae) July 24, 2024
A social media user also commented a photo of Anderson moving along a lifeboat outdoors. "We live just in front of where he is staying and this is him helping transport people," the user said.
Someone also commented that it's "not the first time" that Anderson lent a helping hand and that he's a great swimmer.
Anderson has been an active member of the PCG since 2016 and is part of the K9 Squadron, which Barretto has been a part of since 2021.