As Metro Manila is put under a state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina, joint efforts are being made to ensure rescue operations are underway.
Earlier today, July 24, 2024, a video on X (formerly Twitter) caught the attention of netizens as Kapamilya star Gerald Anderson is seen assisting families in one of the flooded areas in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Quezon City.
Read: Gerald Anderson joins Philippine Coast Guard relief operations in Cagayan, Isabela
In the video, Gerald is greeting survivors behind the camera, who are ready to be transported to evacuation sites.
One of these survivors is a weeping boy in a pink raincoat, who appears reluctant to be moved away from his mom.
Gerald consoles him, asking, "Ano pangalan [niya]? Sige lang, sasama nanay mo."
"Okay, come here. Halika, halika, hawak ka sa akin. Okay, let's go. Ako bahala sa yo," he says as he lifts the child onto a space not captured by the camera.
According to a report by ABS-CBN, Rachelle Joy Kabayao, the uploader of the video, received the footage from her sister, whose family had been waiting to be rescued since morning.
"Mga 11:00 a.m., nag-ask na sila sa barangay. Kaso, hindi nila ma-contact, then tumawag ulit sila. Wala pa daw available na boat. Mga 1:30 p.m., si Gerald nag-rescue sa kanila," Rachelle relates.
Netizens find the 35-year-old actor's actions inspiring and a much-needed form of help, especially in these trying times.
One X user even reacted below the post with a photo of a man in a white shirt, presumed to be Gerald, who is moving along life boats for survivors.
Another one comments: "Not the first time. Magaling din kasi lumangoy. Remember, PCG Auxiliary Commander si Gerald.
"Thank you, Auxiliary Lieutenant Commander Gerald Anderson. Salute [saluting face emoji]."
Typhoon Carina is expected to make landfall in Taiwan tonight, after causing immense tragedy in the northern and western parts of Luzon, Philippines.
PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration) notes that the typhoon will be out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday, July 25.
Read: Gerald Anderson proudly welcomes girlfriend Julia Barretto as PCG Auxiliary member
Gerald joins Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) unit
This was no questionable feat for Gerald, who has been an active member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) unit since 2016.
When Gerald joined the unit in December 2016 — following his dad Randy and brother Ken who did so in July of that same year — he bore the rank of lieutenant.
"Anyone can be an auxiliary officer, but one has to pass stringent screening and application procedures," he said of his PCGA membership.
"We’re like students. We don’t stop training. We were able to bond together as a team.
"I can still remember how funny it was seeing everyone’s faces when we were being carried away by strong currents.
"We were able to experience something that not a lot of people were able to—we got to explore God’s beautiful creation."
On September 1, 2021, he attended the oathtaking of his girlfriend, Julia Barretto, into the same unit as well.
Gerald promptly took to his social media accounts to congratulate the young actress: "Welcome to the PCGA K9 Special Support Squadron [Ph] AUX ENS Julia Barretto #philippinecoastguard @juliabarretto"
At present, Gerald serves as an auxiliary lieutenant commander.
A brief review of the PCG auxiliary website shows that there are at least 16 squadrons available for applicants to join.
The application process involves two hours of squadron-level orientation, four hours of district-level indoctrination, and two hours of protocol orientation.
Following this, the applicant will undergo a three-month probation period, during which they must attend all squadron meetings and activities.
The squadron director will subsequently recommend a thorough review and evaluation of the applicant's documents and performance.
Upon satisfactory evaluation, the director will issue a general order, officially admitting the applicant as a PCG auxiliary officer.
READ MORE:
- Gerald Anderson posts holiday photos with Julia Barretto in California
- Gerald Anderson reacts to Julia Barretto, Bea Alonzo reconciliation
- Gerald Anderson on ex-girlfriend Kim Chiu: "Palaban yun."
- Julia Barretto's first Rolex watch is from boyfriend Gerald Anderson
- Gerald Anderson in "turista mode" with dad in Austria