Palace throws support to essential workers

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo. Philippine Daily Inquirer file photo / JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Saturday threw its support to essential workers who are helping the government in curbing the spread of the coronavirus disease.

“The Office of the President supports these frontliners and commits itself to throw the resources of its office to ensure that these frontliners will continue to get the assistance they need in the performance of their duties,” presidential spokesman and legal counsel Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

The Palace official also prayed that frontliners will not be infected with the respiratory disease, which was caused by the coronavirus.

Panelo thanked health workers for constantly attending to their patients and employees in basic establishments reporting for work to offer services to families in need of essential goods during the quarantine.

He also commended “farmers and farm workers who continue to bring their produce and other products to sell in wet markets and the employees of food preparation and delivery services who make sure that there will be sufficient food supply to the people.”

Panelo also acknowledged members of Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines for ensuring safety and security in cities and implementing health measures set by the government’s task force.

The Palace official also thanked local scientists of University of the Philippines for developing test kits.

He also lauded “pilots and cabin crew of various airlines who brought Filipino Migrant Workers to their countries of work.”

To date, the Philippines has 307 cases of coronavirus disease. Of which, 19 died while 13 recovered from the disease.

Due to the surge of cases, the entire Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine to restrict the movement of residents and reduce the risk of community transmission.

Edited by JPV