Benjo Basas, the national chairperson of Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), has tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and is currently confined in a hospital in Caloocan City.
TDC, a 30,000-strong group, confirmed that Basas has tested positive for COVID-19 in a public announcement sent to reporters on Wednesday, Aug. 11. He is currently confined at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital located in Caloocan City.
“Humihingi rin po siya ng paumanhin sa mga kasamahang guro na hindi niya nasasagot ang mga queries at messages dahil isang linggo na rin siyang dumaranas ng iba't ibang sintomas (He also apologizes to his fellow teachers for not being able to answer queries and messages because he has been suffering from various symptoms for a week),” TDC said.
The group added that Basas also had to turn down some requests for interviews and talks due to his current condition.
“Ipinararating naman ng kanyang maybahay na si Ana Liza, dalawang anak at ng buong pamilya ng TDC ang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa inyong panalangin at ano mang tulong na maipararating sa panahong ito. (His wife Ana Liza, two children and the entire TDC family would like to express their sincere gratitude for your prayers and any help that can be extended during this time),” TDC added.
In a series of Facebook posts, Basas also shared his current battle with COVID-19 during his hospital confinement.
Basas, who is also a public school teacher, is known for his dedication to uphold the rights and welfare of fellow teachers by leading TDC.