Francis Anthony Narvasa, a resident of Villaba, Leyte, received a commendation from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 7 for being an exemplary worker.

Aside from the commendation, the Regional Tripartite and Industrial Peace Council handed over P10,000 to Narvasa.

DOLE 7 is also set to provide livelihood assistance to Narvasa's family.

Narvasa is the wing van driver who helped rescue at least six individuals in Barangay Cotcot, Liloan, Cebu as Typhoon Tino unleashed its fury and triggered massive flooding on November 4, 2025.

However, the owner of the wing van did not approve of the vehicle being used in the rescue operation. Narvasa was dismissed.

Liloan is one of worst-hit municipalities in Cebu. Death toll reached  36.

The wing van driver along with his “pahinante,” Ric Vincent Arañez, rescued at least six individuals.

Narvasa and his assistant were earlier dismissed from work. Their employer did not approve reportedly of the vehicle used as a life-saving device.

Narvasa pointed out that he called up the owner of the vehicle to ask permission on November 4. However, he said that because the employer could not be reached, he decided to go ahead and help save lives.

Narvasa added that despite the dismissal, he has no regrets over his decision as it was the most appropriate thing to do at that moment.

Though Narvasa and his assistant lost their jobs, the Cebu Provincial Government has opened for them a bigger opportunity. Governor Pamela Baricuatro hired Narvasa as a driver at Capitol.

Earlier, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 commended policemen, along with Narvasa and Arañez deemed community heroes. 

PRO 7, led by Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, vowed to assist Arañez finish school while on a new job.

(via John Kim Bote/GMA Super Radyo Cebu with reports via Alan Domingo/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)