When Typhoon Tino’s floodwater surged through Barangay Cotcot in Liloan, Cebu, on November 4, 2025, one man stood firm, becoming a lifeline and beacon of hope for residents amid the raging typhoon waters.
Instead of seeking shelter, Francis Anthony Narvasa, a wing van driver, let compassion and selflessness guide him. Without hesitation, he used his company van as a shield to rescue six trapped individuals, holding them safe long enough for rescuers to reach them. Working alongside him was Patrolman Niño Divinagracia of the Liloan Police Station, who braved the strong currents to assist Francis in rescuing despite sustaining injuries.
To honor Francis’s courage and compassion for his immediate community, the Department of Labor and Employment, through its Central Visayas Regional Office, awarded him with a plaque of commendation, as part of DOLE’s 92nd Founding Anniversary celebration in Cebu.
“Kami lang tungod kay atong mandato is to take care of our workers nato. So, ako lang nagpasalig ko nga kining driver tagaan nato ug pasidungog. Ato ning imbetahon labi na sa atong umaabot nga anibersaryo sa Department of Labor and Employment karong December 8.
Ang driver na bayani kay daghan natabangan atong mga panahona, dili lang bayani sa mga namumuo but bayani sa komunidad,” DOLE 7 Regional Director Roy Buenafe said in an earlier interview.
(It is our responsibility to take care of our workers. I assure you that this driver will be given recognition. We will invite him, especially during our upcoming DOLE anniversary on December 8. The driver is a hero who has helped many people, not only a hero to his fellow workers but also a hero to the community.)
According to Regional Director Buenafe, Francis has been terminated by his employer due to the incident. To adhere to the current administration’s call to protect workers and to confirm whether Francis’ rights as an employee were upheld in his termination, DOLE will further investigate the basis of his dismissal, the regional director added. He also appealed to employers to continuously comply with labor laws and ensure that workers receive the benefits and protections they deserve.
DOLE 7 will also be awarding livelihood assistance for the hero driver, as well as PHP 10,000 cash assistance from the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council of Central Visayas to support Francis while the investigation proceeds. He was also hired as a driver at the Cebu Provincial Government.
On its 92nd anniversary, the Labor Department reiterates its commitment to “serbisyong tapat at nararapat” for all hardworking Filipino workers and their families.
