Time names construction worker 'hero of the year'

Manila: An 18-year-old construction worker who helped his neighbours survive Metro Manila's worst flooding in four decades has been named among the Top 10 Heroes of the year by Time magazine.

Muelmar Magallanes, who lost his own life after saving 30 of his village mates and relatives last September 26 — as typhoon Ketsana dumped record rainfall in the metropolis — was recognised by the international publication for his heroism and sacrifice.

"Like most residents of the Philippines' capital, the 18-year-old construction worker was used to heavy rains pelting the city.

"But by the time the storm had unleashed its full fury, bringing the worst rains the region had seen in more than 40 years, Magallanes had changed the lives of dozens of family members and neighbours — and lost his own," Time said on its website.

Magallanes' village, Bagong Silangan was among the worst-hit. He helped move his family to higher ground as water engulfed Silangan and returned to help 30 neighbours.

"After helping a mother and her infant off a makeshift raft, an exhausted Magallanes was lost in the water, his body recovered the next day," Time said.