As the country observes National Health Workers' Day, the Department of Health (DOH) expressed its commitment to continuously provide the necessary benefits for the healthcare workers. “The DOH commits that it will continuously exert all efforts in disbursing the benefits and allowances of healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors, providing scholarships and other professional opportunities,” the agency said in a statement on Sunday, May 7. The DOH also committed to push for the “standardization of salaries and benefits all geared towards ensuring that our HCWs (healthcare workers) are provided with healthier settings in terms of their communities and workplaces.” DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire expressed her gratitude to the health workers, especially for their service during the Covid-19 pandemic. “You, our healthcare workers, are the backbone of our health systems, and rest assured, that your Department of Health will continue to provide you with all the support for the betterment of your welfare and service,” she said. The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) also acknowledged the service of the medical frontliners, recognizing them as “heroes.” “Today, with great honor and pride, we salute the heroic and immeasurable role of our fellow health workers for they are at the frontline fighting and even risking their health and lives to combat the virulent virus,” said AHW in a Facebook post. “The real heroes are those who bravely and wholeheartedly continue to render health services to the people with highest degree of responsibility, commitment, deep humility and great pride,” it added.