A Life Full of Light
Sandy Ongkingco Garrovillas was born on January 27, 2017. Arriving eight weeks early, she entered the world with a fighting spirit.
Weighing just over 1 kg, she required immediate oxygen support and later a mechanical ventilator to assist her underdeveloped lungs.
Her early days were marked by medical challenges. Unlike most newborns, Sandy slept significantly more and struggled to breathe unaided.
Further examinations revealed multiple small holes in her heart, necessitating ongoing medication and feeding through a nasogastric tube.
After two months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), she was stable enough to go home, though her medical journey was far from over.
Throughout her first year, Sandy experienced repeated bouts of pneumonia, leading to multiple hospitalizations. At just six months old, a life-threatening episode resulted in a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia, requiring her to be fed via a gastrostomy tube.
Her family quickly adapted, learning the intricacies of tube feeding, oxygen management, and home-based medical care.
Her second year brought additional health concerns, including recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
At such a young age, she underwent shock wave lithotripsy, a procedure rarely performed on children of her age, making her the youngest patient to receive this treatment, according to her doctors.
Despite these adversities, Sandy's resilience was remarkable. Miraculously, her heart began to heal on its own.
Over time, she no longer needed oxygen support or a feeding tube, marking a significant turning point in her journey.
A Heart Full of Love
As she grew, delays in motor, speech, and social skills became evident, but her determination never wavered.
Through dedicated physical, occupational, and speech therapy, she made steady progress.
Even during the pandemic, she continued to thrive, attending therapy sessions online and adapting to virtual learning.
When schools transitioned back to in-person classes, Sandy embraced the change with enthusiasm.
On her first day of face-to-face learning in late 2022, she eagerly lined up and was the first to enter her classroom.
Her dedication culminated in a proud moment on stage as she received her preparatory school completion certificate.
That summer, she even took swimming lessons, showing not just bravery but kindness.
When a classmate became scared, Sandy reassured them, saying, “Don't cry, it's okay.”
She was always a source of encouragement, often cheering on others with words like, “You can do it!” or “Kick, kick!” as they practiced their strokes.
In 2023, Sandy transferred to a new school better suited to her needs.
Despite the longer school hours, she loved attending and engaging in daily activities.
Teachers and classmates alike were drawn to her gentle and affectionate personality. She had an uncanny ability to make people smile without even trying.
A simple laugh from her would draw classmates to her side, and if she ever teared up, those around her rushed to offer comfort.
At home, she was a willing helper, assisting with kitchen tasks, sweeping, mopping, making the bed, and folding laundry.
She often expressed her eagerness by saying,
“I wanna help!”
“I will try my best.”
Her compassionate nature extended beyond household tasks — if she noticed someone feeling down, she would ask,
“Why are you sad?”
before brushing their face, offering a kiss, and gently asking,
“Are you happy now?”
Sandy embodied patience, perseverance, and kindness. Though she faced numerous hardships, she never complained. Her strength and good-natured personality left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
The Day Everything Changed
On October 30, 2023, Sandy's family traveled to Port Barton, Palawan, for a vacation — a time to celebrate life and be together. Tragedy struck when Sandy, wading in shallow water, was stung by a box jellyfish.
Despite immediate efforts by her family, resort staff, and nearby medical personnel, her condition deteriorated rapidly. Limited access to life-saving resources and delays in emergency response ultimately cost her life. Her passing left an indescribable void in the hearts of those who loved her.
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Angel Sandy's
Law
Sandy's untimely passing is a tragedy no family should have to endure.
Stronger regulations and better safety measures could prevent similar incidents. Currently, there are no stringent laws requiring emergency protocols and life-saving resources at resorts and coastal areas in the Philippines. With adequate warnings about the presence of dangerous marine species and proper safety protocols, Sandy's life could have been saved.
Had the resort employed trained lifeguards, equipped first aid staff with the necessary medical supplies —including an EpiPen for anaphylactic emergencies— and provided immediate access to emergency transport or an on-site clinic, Sandy might still be here today.
In February 2025, Senator Risa Hontiveros introduced Senate Bill No. 2971, known as the Child Tourist Safety Act or "Sandy's Act." This legislation aims to safeguard children from preventable injuries and fatalities in tourist destinations by mandating that tourism establishments provide adequate and age-appropriate medical, emergency, and health care services.
Sandy's Act seeks to prevent more tragedies from happening by ensuring that resorts and tourist spots are equipped to handle medical emergencies, especially those involving children. By supporting this bill, we can work towards a safer environment for families enjoying the Philippines' beautiful destinations.
Join us in advocating for the swift passage of Sandy's Act. Sign the petition today and help protect our children.
Sandy's story should serve as a catalyst for change.
Lawmakers, the Department of Health, and the tourism industry must take action to prevent further tragedies. Families should be able to enjoy the country's beautiful beaches without fear.
This advocacy is for Sandy.
For families.
For the safety of all.