President Duterte on Friday paid tribute to the “selfless and dedicated” front-line workers in the country’s pandemic response as he commemorated Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) and remembered the heroism of the country’s war veterans.
In a video message aired on a state-run TV network, he said Araw ng Kagitingan was “a firm reminder of the unyielding determination of the Filipino to prevail over all forms of adversity.”
The front-liners’ efforts reflect the heroism shown by the Filipinos who battled invaders in the past, Duterte said.
“As we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated front-liners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times,” he said.
The country’s health workers in hospitals have been struggling with the surge of patients.
Many of them have also been infected with the virus.
Duterte also said the valor that our forebears showed in the defense of Bataan 80 years ago left its mark in Philippine history and shaped the Filipinos’ indomitable spirit to rise after every fall.
“Today, we honor our fallen soldiers whose sacrifice became the bedrock of our resolve to uphold our most cherished liberties. May this awareness resonate among us as we strive to become worthy heirs to the nation that they fought and bled for,” he said.
The President did not attend any public event to commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan due to the prevailing community quarantine wherein gatherings are not encouraged.
“In addition, active cases of COVID-19 remain high,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco paid tribute to war veterans and present-day heroes in the fight against the raging pandemic as he called on Filipinos to do their best not to add to the burdens of health workers by staying healthy and observing health measures.
In a statement, Velasco said health-care workers had exhibited the same bravery and courage of war veterans as they risked their health and lives to treat Filipinos afflicted with the disease.
Velasco also urged the government to “ensure the timely release of their essential pay and benefits due them, reflecting the health hazards and other challenges they confront every single day from working during this pandemic.”