The Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas yesterday gave a plaque of recognition to the seaman who lost his right foot trying to save passengers of the motor banca Mansan that capsized last Saturday.
Rudyyard Payusan, 48, was also assured of help in securing a prosthetic leg so he can resume walking.
“It is only with a man like Rudyard that we will see the true bravery of Filipinos which is why we at the PCG felt it was right to honor him,” said Commodore Enrico Evangelista of the Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas.
Evangelista, along with lawyer Armando Alforque and Bobby Inoferio of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Forces and PCG Commander Weinel Azcuna visited Payusan at St. Vincent’s Hospital at 1 p.m. yesterday.
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Dr. Felix Vicuña, an orthopedic surgeon, offered to attach a prosthetic leg and provide physical therapy services for free after Payusan is discharged from the hospital.
Vicuña said the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary 201st Squadron will be funding the prosthetic leg.
Rudyard Payusan
Payusan, a chief mate of cargo ship LCT Golden Crescent, said he was happy to receive the help because “this means I can still work.”
His eldest daughter, 22-year-old Estrellita Payusan, was thankful.
“We’re happy with the blessings. My two sisters and I still have to go to school. We need our father to be happy and strong,” she said.
The Cebu City Council yesterday approved a resolution authored by Payusan’s school mate, Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon that will help pay Payusan’s medical bills.
The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and Regular Forces donated P20,000
Payusan also received P5,000 from the office of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano last Tuesday.
Officials of the Maritime Industrial Authority (Marina) visited Payusan and offered him aid.
Payusan said he was advised by friends and work mates to take a six-month leave of absence to recover from his injury.
“It hurts,” he said of the amputated foot, “but I do not regret what I did. These are people’s lives, and they are more important than my one foot. I cannot help but feel the severity of my situation, but I know that help will come,” Payusan said in Cebuano.