Nursing student’s heroic act saves life of woman vendor
Second-year nursing student Angyl Faith Ababat was on Plaridel Street in downtown Cebu City on Jan. 30 when she witnessed a man slashing the neck of a woman street vendor.
Initially, she had second thoughts of coming to the aid of the vendor for fear of getting into trouble.
However, her calling as a future nurse—saving those in need of medical attention—prevailed over her fear.
“When I noticed that no one really came to help her, and since I have basic knowledge in first aid, I decided to come and help,” Ababat said.
Ababat’s heroic act saved the woman from the worst. The woman, 54, turned out to be the live-in partner of the suspect.
“You can see me being hesitant to approach nanay since I was still scouting for any possible adult or any senior premed or med student that is more skilled than I am,” she recalled. “I was really scared because I thought, ‘what if this man returns and stabs me for helping his partner’?”
Be a vessel for help
Ababat, who made headlines and went viral on social media for her heroic act, has a message for everyone who might face the same situation in the future
“I just want to tell them that it is okay to be scared, it is a normal reaction. But if you are capable of helping, especially if you are knowledgeable enough, then be a vessel for help and aid those in need,” she said in a Manila Bulletin interview. “The Lord will reward you for your actions tenfold.”
According to reports, the suspect was arrested by Guadalupe Police Station operatives in a follow-up operation. He allegedly admitted committing the crime out of jealousy.
Outpouring of recognition
Her courageous act was lauded by netizens as well as the University of Cebu (UC) where she studies.
“I am truly overwhelmed and super blessed to have received such praises,” Ababat said.
“Thank you, Angyl Faith Ababat! You truly are God’s angel here on earth! God grant you great favor in your nursing career. May He bless and protect you always,” one netizen commented in a UC Facebook post.
Another comment read: “Kudos to you Angyl Faith! Your personality suits your name... Such a good heart to help others and respond to such an immediate case or incident.”
Ababat and the vendor have yet to speak with each other since the latter is still in the intensive care unit.
“But she’s showing positive reactions from the treatment,” Ababat said.
Scholarships offered
A regional newspaper reported that Ababat will receive a scholarship from UC for her deed while another second-year nursing student named Kristianne Joice Noelle Ona, who assisted her in applying pressure to the vendor’s wound, will be endorsed to receive the same award.
Powerhouse Review Center also granted Ababat a scholarship for her future national and international licensure exams.
She is also set to receive recognition from the Philippine Nurses Association, National Youth Commission-Visayas, Cebu City Police Office, local government, and other nurses’ organizations.
“Good job Angyl, you serve as good example of a true UCnian that cares. You’re a real ‘HERO’. The whole University of Cebu community is so proud of you!” said UC.
The university even chose Ababat as model for its marketing poster.
“From a role model, now you are a real model!” the school said.
Ababat’s mother works as a school principal, while her father is a businessman.
If her family’s financial situation permits, Ababat dreams of pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree.