President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who recovered from Covid-19 twice, has honored Filipino nurses on behalf of all Covid-19 patients, survivors, and their families for their sacrifices during the pandemic.
Speaking during the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Philippine Nurses Association Inc., Marcos paid tribute to all Filipino nurses and boosted their morale by stressing their good reputation around the world.
"It is my pleasure then to stand before you today as my father did 50 years ago to celebrate this momentous occasion. Now more than ever, with all the challenges that you have hurdled during the pandemic, I see before me a strong and capable nursing force that is at the forefront of quality and excellent care, not only here in the country but around the world," the President said.
He took pride in the capabilities of Filipino nurses, which are widely praised by the international community.
"Indeed, I think I am correct when I say: no other country can boast of such strong and capable nurses who are known, not just for competence and dedication to this very noble calling of healthcare, but for their compassion and kindness," he said.
The Chief Executive, who battled the disease in early 2020 and in July this year, also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to all healthcare workers, especially nurses.
He thanked them on behalf of all Covid-19 patients, survivors, and their families.
"But during my fight against Covid-19, I benefited from the able and healing hands of competent Filipino nurses. Because of you — and this I cannot stress more — because of you and the sacrifices that you made knowing that there was a risk involved but because of that sacrifice, because of that compassion, because of that professionalism, our nation has survived the most difficult moments of this pandemic," Marcos said.
"Let me take this opportunity, along with the rest of our kababayans, not only for me but for all of those — yung mga pasyente na gumaling, yung mga pamilya ng mga pasyente na nakitang gumaling ang kanilang mga kamag-anak, yung mga inalagaan ninyo (the patients who recovered, their families and relatives who saw their kins recover, those who have taken care of)...And because of that myself, as your President, and in the name of all our kababayans, I wish to thank you wholeheartedly your sacrifices and your significant contributions to society," Marcos added.
The President affirmed that while the people can "always lean on and benefit from your exceptional care," the government "will continue to pursue the programs and support the continuous development of Filipino nurses."