Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez said doctors, nurses and other frontline workers are the modern-day heroes today as they continue to risk their lives in the fight against Covid-19.
Olivarez recognized the sacrifices of the frontliners during the celebration of National Heroes Day.
The mayor was joined by members of the Knight of Columbus during the wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal in front of the city hall on Aug. 29.
Olivarez said the country is facing two battles -- the fight to end the Covid-19 pandemic and the fight against poverty.
He said that at the peak of Covid-19 pandemic, doctors, nurses and other frontline workers risked their lives to protect the Filipinos.
The mayor recalled that one of the city’s heroes during the pandemic was Dr. Neal Orteza, the medical director of Ospital ng Parañaque who died due to Covid-19 after treating patients suffering from the disease.
Olivarez said aside from the battle against Covid-19, the fight against poverty continues because many lost their jobs with the closures of some business establishments.
He said to help residents, the city government is strictly implementing the rule that 40 percent of workers in business establishments in the city must be Paraqueños.