One of the three "key officials" working at the Manila City Hall who tested positive for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has recovered, the city mayor announced Monday (July 20).
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso identified the recovered official as Manila City Engineer Armand Andres.
"I'm happy to say that one of the key personalities of the city who were affected also with this dreadful disease is now free of COVID," he said in his speech at the flag raising ceremony.
"Hinahanap na rin siya ng mga (tao)… ligtas na po siya, sa awa ng Diyos (People are already looking for him… with God's mercy, he is now safe)," he added.
On July 6, Domagoso said three officials of the city government, whom he regularly interacts with, contracted the disease.
The Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) said two of these are department heads while the other is a city councilor.
The Manila mayor reminded his fellow public officials that, despite facing risks in serving the people amid a pandemic, they should continue to do their jobs.
"Totoo, physically, emotionally, pagod na tayo. Pero lagi niyong pakatatandaan, walang aasahan ang tao kung hindi tayong mga taong pamahalaan. Sa atin umaasa ngayon ang ating mga kababayan (It's true that we are physically and emotionally exhausted. But always remember that the public has no one to depend on but us government officials. They are counting on us)," he said.
"Kayo ay mga napili na makapaglingkod at mabigyan ng pagkakataon na maglingkod sa ating mga kababayan (You have been chosen to serve and were given the opportunity to serve our fellow Manileños)," he added.
READ MORE: 3 Manila City Hall key officials test positive for COVID-19