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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Palace lauds frontliners, private entities' selfless acts amid COVID-19 pandemic

Palace lauds frontliners, private entities' selfless acts amid COVID-19 pandemic

Published Mar 19, 2020 05:41 am
By Argyll Cyrus Geducos  Malacañang has extended its utmost gratitude to the frontliners in the country's battle against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and to those who stepped up to the challenge and helped those in need amid Luzon's enhanced community quarantine. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo recognized the sacrifices made by health care and service providers, law enforcement agents, and other frontliners. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo (OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) "Their sacrifices during this period are invaluable, and the services they are tirelessly rendering for the nation will forever be remembered," he said Thursday. "The Office of the President will continue rallying behind -- and giving the necessary support in favor of -- these heroic men and women until we defeat this pandemic." Private entities Meanwhile, Malacañang joined the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in thanking some of the country's large companies for heeding their appeal to provide their workers their respective salaries and benefits for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon without charging them against their leave credits. He listed the following business entities: Aboitiz Group of Companies, Asian/Terminal Hotel, Ayala Group of Companies, JG Summit/Gokongwei Group of Companies, Jollibee Group of Companies, Lucio Tan Group of Companies, Manuel V. Pangilinan Group of Companies, SMC Group of Companies, and SM Group of Companies. Panelo likewise commended the companies who did their share in alleviating and responding to the needs of the daily wage earners and regular employees but insisted on remaining anonymous. "Given that the Palace considers this current situation as a time for solidarity, it also appreciates most of these companies for stepping up to the challenge through their significant donations to various entities that are at the front of this battle," he said. "We can only hope that other businesses will follow suit within their means." The Office of the President likewise acknowledged some business groups for their contributions: Metrobank and GT Capital Holdings Group for pledging ₱200 million for the production of more coronavirus test kits, Andrew Tan and the Alliance Global Group for pledging 1 million liters of ethyl alcohol to the Department of Health (DOH) and other government enforcement agencies, the Belo Medical Group for donating its remaining stocks of PPE in its clinics to hospitals and health centers, and Dennis Uy's Udenna Corp. for working to deliver 1,000 diagnostic kits to the DOH. Malacañang also joined the Department of Transportation in recognizing the following companies for offering their buses to ferry for free health workers and other persons exempted from the movement ban: Ceres, HM Transit, San Agustin, MetroExpress, RRCG, Precious Grace, Jac Liner, St. Rose, and automotive company Foton, as well as Avis Philippines, Westcapboa (West Cavite Philippine Bus Operators Association), and Jasper Jean, among others. Panelo, meanwhile, renewed Malacañang's appeal to Filipinos to remain at home and faithfully follow the protocols set by the government. "Your patience and obedience are equally appreciated as the same are the keys to the successful containment and eradication of COVID-19 in the Philippines," he said. "In the past, the indomitable spirit of the Filipinos has triumphed over national calamities and adversities. We are once again called to unify as a people to prevail over this dreaded disease." READ MORE: Entire Luzon under quarantine
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