Actor Gerald Anderson feted for ‘Carina’ rescue efforts

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Philippine News Agency

RECOGNIZED. Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Commodore Gerald Anderson receives the Search and Rescue medal from PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, in a ceremony at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Thursday (Aug. 8, 2024). Anderson was recognized for his rescue of trapped civilians in Quezon City amid the onslaught of super typhoon Carina that brought heavy flooding in the National Capital Region last month. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard/Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday recognized actor, Auxiliary Commander Gerald Anderson, for his heroic act amid the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina and the flooding it caused in the National Capital Region (NCR) last month.

During a ceremony at the PCG headquarters, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan commended Anderson for “his selfless service” following his rescue of trapped residents amid flooding at Barangay Santo Domingo in Quezon City.

PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) National Director Vice Admiral Jorge Lim also recognized Anderson for his continued support towards the accomplishments of PCGA mandates.

Anderson received a Search and Rescue medal during the event.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said Anderson has been an active partner, 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,” Balilo said.

Together with actress PCGA Ensign Julia Barretto and other PCGA members, Anderson has also donated bags of school supplies for the children of Pag-Asa Island.

He first joined the PCGA in 2016 as part of the K9 Special Support Squadron and was promoted to the rank of Commodore in 2021 for his contributions to the service.

The PCGA is a non-government, uniformed, volunteer organization that seeks to assist the PCG in the promotion of the safety of life and property at sea and other activities that enhance maritime community relations such as civic action, relief, and rescue activities.