The Civil Service Commission (CSC) paid tribute on Thursday to the service and sacrifice of frontliners amid the country’s battle against COVID-19 pandemic.
In a year-end message, CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala expressed grief as the country lost many public servants in the fight against pandemic.
“It is heartbreaking to lose many public servant heroes in the nation’s fight against COVID-19, but please know that the Civil Service Commission joins the bereaved families in honoring these civil servants—they who put their lives on the line to save as many Filipinos as they can in performing their duties,” Bala said in a statement.
CSC Chairperson also thanked the government workers for striving to rise above the challenges brought by the pandemic.
“2020 has been a tough year for all of us, but your unwavering dedication to serve the Filipino people amid adversities has given us inspiration, hope, and faith in God and in humanity. Taos-puso ang pasasalamat at saludo namin sa inyo, mga lingkod bayan (We sincerely thank and salute you, public servants),” she said.
Bala also reminded the government workers to continue following health protocols as the virus continues to spread worldwide.
“While it will be difficult to forego long-held traditions, let us remember that we are still in the middle of a public health crisis,” Bala said.
Bala, citing the call of the Health Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC), urged the public to observe “Apat Dapat” if gatherings cannot be completely avoided.
The CSC chief said “APAT” is an acronym that stands for:
• A is for air circulation. There must be good air circulation in the room. Outdoor and open-air venues are preferred.
• P is for physical distancing. Maintain distance of at least one meter away from other people.
• A is for always wearing a face mask and face shield.
• T is for time. Interaction should be for only thirty minutes or less.
According to HPAAC, atleast three out of the four guidelines should be met in gatherings.
“We hope to see our civil servants welcoming the new year reinvigorated and with a healthy body and mind so we can serve the Filipino public at our best,” Bala added.