After going viral for his brave and charitable deeds during the onslaught of Typhoon Carina in the Philippines, Gerald Anderson is getting his official recognition from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
ICYMI, the 35-year-old actor was seen swimming in the floods of Quezon City during the onslaught of Typhoon Carina in the Philippines. In a video uploaded on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Gerald was submerged in the floods and was talking to a family who had been trying to keep their baby safe.
As the Internet cheered for Gerald's volunteer efforts and kindness toward victims of Typhoon Carina, the PCG also made sure to recognize the actor for his willingness to help during a natural disaster. On August 8, 2024, the government agency gave Gerald the "search and rescue medal."
In a statement posted on the PCG's Facebook page, PCG spokesperson Armando Balilo lauded Gerald for always being an active volunteer in various relief 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. 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," the statement quoted the PCG spokesperson.
According to the PCG Auxiliary's website, the "search and rescue medal" is awarded to individuals who manifest voluntary "exemplary acts in the conduct of search and rescue" with the goal of preserving life.
ICYDK, Gerald joined the Philippine Coast Guard's K9 Special Support Squadron in 2016. The Squadron is an extended entity of the agency focused on humanitarian missions and disaster response operations. In September 2021, Gerald was promoted to Auxiliary Commander of the said Squadron. Aside from that, his girlfriend, Julia Barretto, also became a part of the group at the same time.
Julia Barretto Reacts To Gerald Anderson's Typhoon Carina's Volunteerism
After Gerald's viral acts of kindness during the typhoon, one couldn't help but wonder about his girlfriend, Julia Barretto's reaction to it. Albeit a brave thing to do, wading through the floods to rescue people was also a dangerous thing for anyone at all.
In an interview with MJ Marfori, Julia admitted that she was really worried about Gerald. Nonetheless, she expressed that it has always been in Gerald's nature to extend help when can. "It's a proud moment, of course, but I was really worried. But by nature, that's who he is. I just hope he will be safe doing that for others. It's a proud moment, but ang hirap grabe ‘yung worries ko," she stated.
It wasn't Gerald's first time helping out during disasters. In 2009, when the country was hit by the destructive Typhoon Ondoy, the actor also braved the floods to rescue his neighbors in Vista Real Classica in Quezon City.
In an exclusive interview with Cosmo in 2009, Gerald's neighbor Dr. Divine Rosales-Murao narrated how Gerald put his life on the line to reach out to their neighbors. "Gerald tried to check on us since he knows and he saw I have three small kids with me, plus the house staff. The whole ground floor of our house was affected by the water. We told him we are still okay, and the second time he went back to us there, he was with Cesar Montano and Bayani Agbayani, plus others. We were asking Gerald if they can check on Queensland Street because my brother is there and we cannot go through that street anymore," Dr. Divine tells Cosmo.ph in this exclusive.
She added, "Gerald and his brother did their best to check how they can pass through the raging waters—using ropes and all—to see other neighbors who need help."
