MANILA, Philippines – In the midst of the raging floods brought by Typhoon Tino and torrential rains in Villa Lara, Jubay, Liloan, Cebu, one teenager emerged as a beacon of hope. His name is Jayboy Magdadaro, a 15-year-old from Fatima, Jubay, a young boy with the heart of a true hero.
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| Photo courtesy: Reign Dayday, SunStar Cebu (Facebook) |
Jayboy is not a trained rescuer, yet he chose to brave the rushing waters, relentless rain, and life-threatening debris to save others.
From 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., he spent hours rescuing residents using only a lifebuoy and a small boat. Children, pregnant women, the elderly—everyone who needed help, he assisted without hesitation. He faced powerful currents, massive floating debris, and even bodies carried by the floodwaters. Still, he never stopped evacuating those in danger.
After his heroic efforts, some residents offered him money as a gesture of gratitude, but he politely refused. For Jayboy, helping others, especially when every second counts, should never come with a price.
His bravery came to light through a viral Facebook post by resident Reign Dayday, who witnessed the teen’s actions firsthand. For Reign, Jayboy’s courage is “a story to tell.”
"This young man deserves recognition for saving over 50 lives during the heavy floods in Villa Lara, Jubay. He is Jayboy Magdadaro, 15, from Fatima, Jubay," her Facebook post.
"To make the story short, Jayboy evacuated to Sitio San Roque, Jubay, expecting that Fatima would experience heavy flash floods but it turned out the other way around."
"Jayboy started rescuing people from Villa Lara around 8am and continued until 3pm., using only a Salbabida & Bangka. He saved children, pregnant women, and other residents in the area. He even encountered dead bodies floating in the floodwaters. According to Jayboy, after he helped rescue people, some offered him money in return but he refused."
"Good job, dong Jayboy! A hero like you truly deserves recognition for your selfless courage and dedication during this life and death situation," she said.
A Story to Tell: BAGYONG TINO This young man deserves recognition for saving over 50 lives during the heavy floods in...
Posted by Reign Dayday on Sunday, November 9, 2025
On the day of the flooding, Jayboy initially believed his own neighborhood in Fatima would be the hardest hit, prompting him to flee toward Sitio San Roque. But when Villa Lara suffered the worst impact, he made the risky decision to return and help. That choice saved more than 50 lives.
In recognition of his heroism, Jayboy was awarded a full scholarship by Mabolo Barangay Captain Atty. Daniel Francis Arguedo, along with a ₱3,000 monthly allowance. Netizens have since celebrated Jayboy’s story, praising him as a symbol of hope, courage, and bayanihan during one of Cebu’s most challenging moments.
Courage beyond recognition
After Typhoon Tino, Jayboy Magdadaro said his life changed in ways he never expected. The 15-year-old didn’t step out into the storm for recognition or praise; he acted because lives were at risk. “I didn’t do it for attention. I did it because it was right,” he shared.
Despite facing criticism and doubt from some online, Jayboy remained steadfast in his actions. “Even with criticism and doubt, I know the truth of what happened. The people I helped know what happened,” he said. Reflecting on that day, he added, “If I had to do it all over again, I still would—because saving a life matters more than proving myself to anyone.”
Congratulations, Jayboy! You deserve it!
— The Summit Express