Business awards COVID-19 heroes


The business sector led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has awarded health professionals and frontliners Gawad Bayaning Kalusugan for their heroism during this pandemic period.

Twelve individuals, 12 teams, 35 health professionals and 43 health teams from 35 medical institutions were nominated to the Gawad Bayaning Kalusugan, a national search for the best benchmarks of medical care in the CoViD-19 pandemic.           

The Gawad Bayaning Kalusugan was presented by the PCCI and was initiated by the Association of Allied Health Organization of the Nation (AAHON), the Health Educationalist, Advocates and Leaders Philippines (HEAL PH). 

A total of P1.4 million have been raised by the proponents so that each of the winners received P50,000 cash prize and a trophy.  Lead proponent Dr Carl Balita expressed that “the generosity of the donors from the business sector poured in as a sign of their utmost respect and appreciation to the self-less sacrifice of these heroes of our times.”

“We continue the war against CoViD-19 but this morning, we take time out to express gratitude to the infantry in the forefront,” said PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico.  He regards that it is an honor and privilege for the business sector to be able to support in a small way to honor the frontliners. 

Employers Confederation of the Philippiens (ECOP) and Philexport President Sergio Ortiz Luis echoed the same. He acknowledged that “the frontliners are still in danger.”  For his part SilkRoad Chamber Founding Chairman Ambassador Dr Francis Chua says that “this is to show our concern for them who have given so much.”

Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI) President Dr Henry Lim for his part assured that “we are at the back supporting our frontliners.”  Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) Vice Chairman Alegria Limjoco with PCCI Chairman for Corporate Social Responsibility Nora Lacuna have become the bridge of AAHON President Dr Carl Balita in ensuring the support of the business sector.

On top of the list of individual winners is Dr. SATURNINO P. JAVIER, Makati Medical Center medical director, interim Co-CEO, and Chief of the Cardiology Section, who clearly demonstrated essential leadership qualities which include innovative persuasion, resourcefulness, and commendable attitudes that speak of respect for truth, decency, and integrity.  Following is nurse Ms. SCHEHERAZADE EDZA IBRAHIM, RN of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center has developed training designs and conducts lectures and trainings on the prevention and control of COVID-19.

Other winners include Dr. Amelita Rame Guzon of the Quezon City General Hospital Medical Center; Dr. Leonell Albert Lopez Quitos of the Adventist Medical Center;  Dr. Janice C. Caoili of the Makati Medical Center; Bro. Kempee Laserna Llorico, RN of the San Juan De Dios Educational Foundation, Inc.;  Dr. Helen Valenzona Madamba of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center;   Dr. Rontgene Mantua Solante of the San Lazaro Hospital; Dr. Julius Almario Lecciones of the Philippine Children's Medical Center; Dr. Alfonso Victorino H. Famaran, Jr. of the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium; Dr. Aileen Manalansan Mallari of the Tondo Medical Center; and Dr. Primo Bagasao Valenzuela of the Rizal Medical Center.

The twelve Gawad Bayaning Kalusugan Team Category winners include the National Kidney and Transplant Institute CoViD-19 Response Team; Makati Medical Center COVID Task Force; Mary Mediatrix Medical Center COVID Task Force; Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Family and Community Medicine Department; the Feel Better ManilaMed Medical Centere Manila, the San Lazaro Hospital COVID Pioneer Team;  the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center Hospital EREID Incident Command System; Silliman University Medical Center COVID-19 Knowledge-Based Medical Management Advisory Board; Ospital ng Imus – NSD Delta Team; Sta Ana Hospital Medical COVID Warriors; Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital Giving Meaning Purpose and Hope Team; and Mindanao Central Sanitarium and General Hospital Frontliners.