The government is putting the spotlight on the invaluable service and sacrifices of health workers and other frontliners in battling the coronavirus pandemic through a series of documentaries.

The production of the documentary series, dubbed "Laging Handa Dokyu," is part of the commitment of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to highlight the heroic deeds of the frontliners while informing the public about efforts to contain the illness, according to Secretary Martin Andanar.

The PCOO-Office of Global Media and Public Affairs (OGMPA) has so far produced two 15-minute documentaries, namely "Red Zone" and "Sa Loob ng Swabbing Center."

The first episode, Red Zone, focused on moving stories on the coronavirus front lines, particular the COVID healthcare facility located at the Philippine International Convention Center Forum. It was aired last week.

The second episode, which gives a glimpse into the operations of SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, now converted into COVID-19 mega swabbing facility, will be aired on state television and related social media pages at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. 

“PCOO holds an important role in informing the public of the government’s responses, actions, and programs against COVID-19. This task of keeping the public informed has proven to be very crucial," Andanar said.

"We have been exerting all our efforts and intensifying our role in this endeavor since the beginning of this pandemic,”  he added.

PCOO Assistant Secretary JV Arcena, the project production head and executive producer, said the second episode will feature a "first-hand perspective" on swab testing to determine if one is infected with the coronavirus.  The documentary will also recognize the crucial role of health workers and other frontliners in curbing the spread of the disease.

“We aim to recognize our modern-day heroes by showing the bravery and sacrifices of our frontliners that they have to deal with every day, and we hope that by showing this, we would be able to inspire all Filipinos to come together, and rise as one to defeat the pandemic,” Arcena said.

In the succeeding episodes, Arcena said they intend to present the stories from the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers and the government's contact tracing and testing efforts. He said they will also give updates on the country's participation in coronavirus vaccine trials, the best practices of local governments units, as well as experiences of some coronavirus patients.

At present, the country has recorded more than 300,000 cases of coronavirus with the death toll reaching more than 5,200.

To address the pandemic, the government has accredited more than 130 testing laboratories and established four mega swabbing centers.  More than 3 million people have so far taken the coronavirus test. The rate of persons who tested positive for the illness is pegged at 10.3 percent.