A health employee of the Pagadian City government swabs a passenger from Manila on April 7 for coronavirus disease testing before entering the city. The test is provided free by the local government. Photo by Leah D. Agonoy, Inquirer Mindanao
MANILA, Philippines – In celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), two senators on Friday honored the “new breed of Filipino heroes” serving on the frontlines of the country’s war against COVID-19.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said Filipinos should be thankful for the “new” heroes who are serving the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sa gitna ng pagdurusa at pagkabalisa,isang bagong lahi ng mga bayani ang lumilitaw, nagpapakita ng lakas ng loob at katatagan sa pakikipaglaban,” he said on his tweet.
(In the midst of suffering and anxiety, a new race of heroes emerges, showing courage and resilience in battle.)
Sa gitna ng pagdurusa at pagkabalisa,isang bagong lahi ng mga bayani ang lumilitaw, nagpapakita ng lakas ng loob at katatagan sa pakikipaglaban.
Ngayon at araw-araw,patuloy nating pasasalamatan ang mga bayani noon at ngayon sa kanilang pagsisilbi sa bayan.#ArawNgKagitingan2021 pic.twitter.com/bE7SAikaAU
— Kiko Pangilinan (@kikopangilinan) April 9, 2021
“Ngayon at araw-araw,patuloy nating pasasalamatan ang mga bayani noon at ngayon sa kanilang pagsisilbi sa bayan,” he added.
(Every day, we should continue to thank the heroes then and now for their service to the people.)
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, meanwhile, honored people who have fought and “bravely” in the battlegrounds of Bataan.
However, he emphasized that Filipinos should also recognize the “new breed” of heroes battling the pandemic.
“Fighting the coronavirus within our territory, a new breed of Filipino heroes has emerged. We call them frontliners,” Dela Rosa said in a statement.
“They are the heroes in white gowns caring for patients in hospitals, the heroes equipped with syringes as they administer the much needed Covid19 vaccines to our health workers, other frontliners and residents of different [local government units], the heroes in blue or green uniforms and rattan sticks ensuring safety and order in the streets, the heroes in motorcycles delivering food and other essential items to families, and many other Filipino good Samaritans who are spreading good deeds in this time of the pandemic,” he added.
The Philippines has been celebrating the Day of Valor every April 9 to honor the greatness of Filipino fighters during World War II. – Liezelle Soriano Roy, trainee
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