NYC hails Philippine-flag-hero Janela Lelis

In a resolution adopted on August 23, 2011, the National Youth Commission applauded the bravery and heroism of Ms. Janela Lelis, a 12-year-old student from Malinao, Albay, who waded through raging flood just to save the Philippine Flag from being swept away when typhoon Juaning hit the country last July 25, 2011.

Chairperson Leon Flores III said Janela Lelis is a living proof that the spirit of patriotism is still alive among the Filipino youth, "It's very humbling, kapag nakita n'yo ang picture ni Janela na halos itaob na ng tubig-baha at malakas na hangin pero buong tapang pa rin niyang dinala ang bandila ng Pilipinas na mas malaki pa kaysa sa kaniya. Patunay ito na nasa puso pa rin ng ating mga kabataan ang pagmamalasakit sa ating bayan."

Janela Lelis, along with her brother, Edcel, was formally recognized in a ceremony held at the NYC Office on August 23, 2011. Before the ceremony, Janela was treated to a meet-and-greet session with her TV idols, Sam Milby and Angelica Panganiban. Janela reportedly said that the two young stars are her favorite, to which Ms. Panganiban replied, "Idol ka rin namin!"

The NYC was created in 1995 pursuant to RA 8044 otherwise known as the "Youth in Nation-Building Act", as the policy-making, coordinating body of all youth-related institutions, programs, projects, and activities of the government. It is an attached agency of the President of the Philippines. — CCSD