Agusan del Sur 1st District Rep. Alfel Bascug wants due recognition for the heroism of the country's frontliners against COVID-19, batting for the passage of House Bill No. 6937, which seeks to declare March 15 as Frontliners' Day.
"We are forever grateful to them for staying at work for us while we stay safe amidst this pandemic. Their heroic acts of risking their lives for their fellow citizens and prioritizing the safety of others before themselves is undeniably worthy of honor and due recognition," Bascug said in the bill's explanatory note.
Explaining the significance of the date, he noted that following the issuance of Proclamation No. 922 declaring a state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines due to coronavirus disease pandemic, President Duterte imposed a Metro Manila-wide community quarantine for 30 days starting March 15.
Bascug said HB 6937 does not only recognize the contributions of medical workers, but also the exceptional role of scientist, researchers, journalist and media personnel, government officials and employees, police force, military personnel; workers in business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and pawnshops money transfer services; logistic drivers, delivery men, cleaners, and janitors and those who are directly involved in health crisis response efforts.
"This is to give honor and due recognition to the exceptional role and contributions of the frontliners who continuously and tirelessly provide vital health and essential services to our people during a health crisis or in a state of public health emergency and national emergency situations," he said.
Under HB 6937, all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) as well as the local government units (LGUs), and employers in the private sector shall encourage and afford sufficient time and opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in any activity to commemorate Frontliners Day, a special working holiday.
The bill also directs LGUs, business operators including those in the private sector, government offices and agencies to organize a synchronized one-minute clapping of hands on the same date to commemorate every frontliners' effort in helping the Filipino as one nation in battling COVID-19.
"The objective of this bill is to promote the rights and welfare of the frontliners and to enhance their sense of worth and dignity," Bascug said.