Zamboanga nurse hailed as hero after dying in Nueva Ecija flood rescue

A nurse from Zamboanga del Sur died during a flood rescue mission in San Jose, Nueva Ecija.

Alvin Jalasan Velasco, a native of Aurora town, was deployed as a nurse, ambulance driver, and responder under the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. He was assisting in a retrieval operation in Barangay Parang Mangga on 24 July when he was swept away by powerful currents.

Velasco had been working far from home, but the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) – Zamboanga del Sur Chapter emphasized that his heart and dedication never strayed from the people he served.

“His sacrifice was not only a display of exceptional courage but a powerful testament to the noble spirit of service and humanity that defines our profession,” the association said in a statement. It added that Velasco's legacy "transcends borders" and honors the values of compassion and commitment that define the nursing profession.

The local government of San Jose also paid tribute to Velasco, recognizing his bravery and loyalty as a public servant.