Valenzuela honors city’s lone neonatologist who died of COVID-19

DOCTOR ON CALL Dr. Kathlynne “Kharen”Abat-Senen (center) attended to Baby “Jade”who was found inside a trash bin on Aug. 25, 2016. The newborn baby was rushed to the hospital but lapsed into a coma and passed away 16 days later. Her mother was charged with frustrated infanticide. —VALENZUELA PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

MANILA, Philippines — The Valenzuela local government has paid tribute to the only neonatologist in the city who died after a long battle with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a resolution signed earlier this week, the city council commended Dr. Kathlynne “Kharen” Abat-Senen who “unceasingly performed her duties … and died after being infected with COVID-19, while faithfully performing her chosen profession.”

In recognition of Senen’s sacrifices and dedication to serving the public despite constant exposure to COVID-19, the city government also gave her family P300,000 in cash assistance.

“The city government of Valenzuela and the people of Valenzuela are one with Dr. Jerome Senen and his family in their grief with the passing of Dr. Kharen Senen. We paid her a small tribute … and handed her family the P300,000 assistance from the people of Valenzuela,” Mayor Rex Gatchalian said in a statement.

Senen was an infectious disease expert and the lone neonatologist in Valenzuela City, which led to a high demand for her services. Aside from Valenzuela Medical Center, she also worked at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

She was among the more than 6,000 front-liners in the country who contracted COVID-19 and one of at least 40 who lost their battle with the contagious disease.

In a Facebook post, Senen’s husband Jerome vowed to continue the legacy that she left as a doctor, wife, daughter, sister and mother.

“The world [was] a little dimmer when it lost a bright light in you. I will try to carry on that light in me,” he said.