By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
President Duterte honored the frontliners in the government's fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as the country observed Araw ng Kagitingan or the Day of Valor on Thursday.
AAA13-2
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers a speech during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly appointed Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Star Rank Officers of the Philippine National Police at the Malacañan Palace on March 11, 2020. ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
In his message for the occasion, Duterte recognized the heroism of the troops who made their last stand in Bataan during World War II.
"We owe to the heroes of our past the liberties that we enjoy today, and their patriotism continues to fuel our enduring pursuit of genuine and self-determination," the President said.
While the battlefields of Bataan tested the character of the fallen troops, President Duterte said Filipinos now are tested by a global health crisis.
"We see the rise of present-day heroes---hardworking medical professionals and health workers; military; police and law enforcement personnel; firefighters; security guards; and frontliners in in the food service, transport, waste disposal, and other essential industries---who, despite great personal risk, continue to work so that we may all survive," he said.
The President likewise urged the public to draw strength from the heroism of the Bataan veterans and the unnamed heroes in the fight against COVID-19 as the country faces an unprecedented public health emergency that threatens the survival of society.
"May their example give us the courage and strength to endure this pandemic and rise as a stronger and more resilient nation," Duterte said.
On Wednesday, the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases urged the public to honor the health workers and frontliners sacrificing their lives to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cabinet Secretary and IATF spokesman Karlo Nograles asked the public to go to their doorways or windows and applaud the country's modern heroes every 5 p.m. beginning April 9.
They can also take a more modern approach by sharing videos of them honoring the frontliners via Facebook, Instagram, or even the TikTok app.
"Pwede tayo kumanta o sumayaw para sa ating frontliners para ipakita natin ang pagmamahal natin sa kanila, at mapadalhan natin ng “good vibes” sa napaka-challenging na panahong ito. (We can sing or dance so we can show our love for our frontliners and send them some good vibes in these challenging times)," Nograles said. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)