Hero intern in MRT mishap among DOT ‘Women of Significance’

WOMEN OF SIGNIFICANCE. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo (left) and Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr. (right) honor Charleanne Jandic (center), one of eight women recognized for making a positive impact to society at the “Women of Significance” gala held at Sofitel Tent, Pasay City on Dec. 9. Jandic is a post-graduate medical intern who attended to a woman whose arm was severed in an accident in an MRT station last November 13. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

MANILA— Charleanne Jandic, the medical intern who helped save a woman from an accident in MRT-3 last November was named as among the Department of Tourism (DOT) “Women of Significance” at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on Saturday night.

In an interview, Jandic said while “overwhelmed” by the recognition she received, people must understand acts as such should not come as a surprise.

“It’s overwhelming, at the same time ‘di naman na talaga kailangan ng award (there is no need for an award) kasi ginawa ko lang yung trabaho ko (I just did my job) but if it brings to attention the need for emergency medical services in places such as train station or public places, then I guess it’s a good thing na rin (I guess it’s a good thing too),” Jandic said.

Jandic hopes “it would open the mind of the laypeople to understand” that their job as medical practitioners does not stop once their shifts end.

It may be recalled that MRT passenger Angeline Fernando, 24, fell off the tracks seconds before a train departs from Ayala station. She was then caught between the first and second coaches and lost her arm.

Recounting what happened, Jandic admitted she initially hesitated but “instinct” took over.

“Initially, nag-hesitate ako kasi hindi ko alam yung extent nung injury niya, kasi hindi ko naman nakita nung nangyari ‘yon, (I hesitated because I do not know the extent of her injury, because I didn’t see what happened.)” she recalled.

“(But) part of it instinct na lang kasi may pasiyente, pero nandoon pa rin yung kaba na ‘what if sobra siya sa alam ko? (There is a patient. The nervous feeling which says what if it is beyond what I know?),” she added.

Doctors were able to reattach Fernando’s severed right arm.

Apart from Jandic, seven other women were recognized for making a difference in the community.

Also named 2017 DOT Women of Significance were Aileen Apostol, a special education teacher, Nadine Casiño, founder of “Modern Nanays of Mindanao”, Sol Balbero, Kanlungan sa ERMA executive director, SPO3 Esnairah Lucman, filmmaker Baby Nebrida, former DOT Secretary and sustainable tourism advocate Mina Gabor, and Nurture Wellness Village founder Catherine Brillantes-Turvill.

According to DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, the gala night which also caps the Miss Universe delegation’s visit to the Philippines, in part serves as a fund-raising event to assist Kanlungan sa ERMA, a non-profit organization led by Balbero.

“It’s a charity ball so part of the proceeds goes to Kanlungan sa ERMA, it’s a place where abused children stay, so part of the proceeds, though it may not be a big amount, what we’re going to get will be given tot he foundation,” Teo added.