The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is calling for stronger disability-inclusive disaster preparedness as it honored the bravery of 23-year-old Arci John Rodriguez, who died saving his neighbors.

Arci John, a young man from La Castellana, Negros Occidental, with a developmental disability, volunteered to help his neighbors in Barangay Lalagsan during the heavy flooding last November 4 caused by Typhoon Tino.

He joined two responders in guiding residents across a hanging steel bridge over the Bungahin River. While they were crossing, a section of the bridge collapsed, and the strong current swept them away. Rescuers threw a rope toward them, but Arci John could not hold on. He lost his life while trying to save others.

Arci John’s courage deeply touched the community. Even with his condition, he proved that having a disability does not stop someone from helping, caring for others, and making a difference. He dreamed of becoming a hero, and on that day, he truly became one.

Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said Arci John showed the Filipino people that bravery comes from the heart. Arci John’s disability, according to Asst. Secretary, did not stop him from choosing to save others, and his story reminds Filipinos that every person, with or without disability, has the strength to make a difference.

“Arci reminded us that heroism has no limits. He should inspire us to build a disaster response system that is safe, accessible, and inclusive for everyone. His actions teach us that when we include persons with disabilities in our plans and in our communities, we gain more strength, more courage, and more hope,” Dumlao said on Friday (November 14).

The NCDA calls on national and local governments to strengthen disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction. This includes making evacuation procedures accessible, offering proper training for responders with disabilities, and recognizing persons with disabilities as capable and dedicated volunteers during emergencies.

To support the grieving family, DSWD’s Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) in Negros Occidental provided burial cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). His family received a total of P10,000 last Saturday (November 8).

The department extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Arci John, whose selfless service and sacrifice will continue to inspire a more compassionate and inclusive nation.