SERVICE WITHOUT LIMITS

By: FO3 Fernelyn Neca C Gabas

In times of uncertainty, will you risk your own safety? Will you still extend a
helping hand?
Everyone is not exempted from the threat brought about by the COVID-19
pandemic. We are faced with the reality of how fragile, and uncertain our lives and
communities are. A pastor once said, “This is not the time to pull back giving, praying
and helping others. This is the perfect time to do it.”
“Karon panahona kita ra ang magtinabangay. Mao na ila ginaingon na ang
trabaho sa bumbero dili lang sa sunog, naa man tay ginatawag na Service Knows No
Boundaries”, an inspiring word from FO1 Marito Gerobiese. He is presently assigned in
Olango FS under Lapu-Lapu City Fire District. Hails from Bato, Leyte, FO1 Gerobiese
joined the Fire Service on July 1,2017, Batch Magsilab. He is a living testimony that
small act of kindness can make a difference and a true public servant.
On August 12,2020, FO1 Gerobiese accompanied Tessie Tablo, 58 years old, an
LSI (Locally Stranded Individual) back to her hometown in Bato, Leyte. Prior to that, he
was the one who processed all the necessary documents for Tessie to be able to go
home. It was Gerobiese’s cousin who happens to be the neighbor of Tessie who asked
for his help. Tessie was physically disabled. Due to the pandemic, she lost her job and
was diagnosed last May with an Acute Ischemic Stroke. She’s been living alone in Duljo
Fatima, Cebu City under the bridge for 10 years already. Because of her situation, it
was her neighbors who had been feeding her. She wanted to go home to her family
already so someone could take care of her. Seeing the pitiful situation of Tessie, FO1
Gerobiese did not hesitate to help her. As per protocol of Cebu City, it’s the barangay
who will process the papers of the LSI and it would take 3 weeks or a month. Gerobiese
appealed to the Brgy Health Center to allow him to process the documents to hasten
the transaction. He was just given by the Brgy Health Center with a certificate that the
LSI was not a PUM or PUI and was advised to seek for help to the City Health Office
regarding his request. The City Health Office will not allow it also but with the grace of
God, favor was upon him to process the documents. He coordinated with the LGU in
Bato and called Tessie’s family to secure a Certificate of acceptance from the receiving
LGU. It took him three days to have all the documents needed for travel. His plan was
only to process the documents for the LSI to go home but it goes beyond that. “What if
pag-abot sa barko walay muatiman niya o muduol kay tungod mahadlok sa virus so
nidecide na lang ko na mukuyog na lang sa Leyte”, FO1 Gerobiese uttered. He must
also be medically cleared so he complied with the requirements and asked for a travel
order from CINSP MANASES BAUTISTA, District Fire Director of LLCFD so he could
go with Tessie. When all the requirements were ready, he accompanied Tessie in going
to Leyte on his delta uniform and mask only. Without any hesitation, since the LSI
cannot walk, he carried her in ascending through the steep stair of the ferry. Going
down the ferry carrying Tessie was quite challenging for FO1 Gerobiese because of the
slippery stair. It was raining when they arrived at the Leyte port on August 13, 2020. The
driver of the rescue vehicle from the LGU will not go near also with the LSI so
Gerobiese had to carry again Tessie to the vehicle. He accompanied him to the
quarantine facility. After, he went back to the port to go back to Cebu. What a selfless
act!
In the last week of August, FO1 Gerobiese was informed that the LSI was tested
positive of COVID-19. But truly, God’s hand is upon him. When he underwent RT-PCR
Test, the result was negative. “Kung mutabang man gani ta dili ta mag expect in return.
Tabang lang kung unsa imo ikatabang bisan ginagmay lang. By helping each other,
maka inspire man pud ta sa lain tawo”, FO1 Gerobiese said.
To you, FO1 Marito Gerobiese, our snappiest salute! You are an inspiration.