CHARLEANNE Jandic, the medical intern who helped save a woman from an accident at a Metro Rail Transit-3 station in November this year, was named one of the Department of Tourism’s “Women of Significance” at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on Saturday night.
Jandic said that while she was “overwhelmed” by the recognition she received, people must understand it was not really outstanding.
“There is no need for an award. I just did my job, but if it brings to attention the need for emergency medical services in places such as train stations, then I guess it’s a good thing,” Jandic said.
She hoped “it would open the mind of the lay people to understand” that their job as medical practitioners does not stop once their shifts end.
MRT passenger Angeline Fernando, 24, fell on the tracks seconds before a train departed from Ayala station. She was then caught between the first and second coaches and lost her arm.
Recounting what happened, Jandic said she initially hesitated but “instinct” took over.
“Initially, I hesitated because I did not know the extent of her injury, because I didn’t see what happened,” she said.
“But there was a patient, and there was the nervous feeling that said what if it was beyond what I knew?”
Later, doctors were able to reattach Fernando’s severed right arm.
Apart from Jandic, seven other women were recognized for making a difference in the community.
Also named 2017 DoT Women of Significance were Aileen Apostol, a special education teacher, Nadine Casiño, founder of “Modern Nanays of Mindanao”, Sol Balbero, Kanlungan sa ERMA executive director, SPO3 Esnairah Lucman, filmmaker Baby Nebrida, former DoT secretary and sustainable tourism advocate Mina Gabor, and Nurture Wellness Village founder Catherine Brillantes-Turvill.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said the gala night also capped the Miss Universe delegation’s visit to the Philippines.
“It’s a charity ball so part of the proceeds goes to Kanlungan sa ERMA, a place where abused children stay. So part of the proceeds, though it may not be a big amount, will be given to the foundation,” Teo said.