CEBU CITY – Ei Mei Lee Maningo, a devoted fur mom, was honored at the Mandaue City Hall on Monday, Dec. 15, for her heroic act of saving her two Pomeranian dogs from a fire in Barangay Guizo last week.
Workers and visitors took turns taking selfies with Miyah, 3, and Kayen, 2, who were treated like rockstars during the ceremony.
Their presence at City Hall was made possible by Maningo’s bravery, which went viral online and earned widespread praise from netizens.
The council awarded Maningo a plaque of recognition as Miyah and Kayen sat proudly beside her.
The Island Rescue Organization also showered the dogs with food, treats, and gifts as their own “rewards.”
Councilor Jennifer Del Mar authored the resolution commending Maningo’s heroics, highlighting how her courage and love for her pets inspired the community.
Del Mar said Maningo showed courage, quick thinking, and devotion, putting the safety of her pets above her own during the emergency.
Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano also praised Maningo.
“In the face of fire and fear, love chose to stay. We salute you Ei Mei Lee Maningo for your presence of mind, courage,” Ouano said.
The fire broke out on Dec. 10 in a styrofoam warehouse inside a three-story commercial building in Sitio Santo Niño, Barangay Guizo.
A stay-in employee, Maningo was on the third floor of the building when she noticed thick smoke.
In the viral video, Maningo was seen at a balcony as thick black smock billowed from the burning building.
Maningo could have escaped right away but she rushed to a room where the two pets were. She was later seen throwing the dogs to the rescuers on the ground before escaping through a ladder set up by firefighters. (Calvin Cordova)
