Palace honors health workers with concert

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday staged its fourth musical concert at the Palace grounds as a tribute to Filipino health-care workers in the country and all around the world.

The concert, dubbed “Konsierto sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace), was part of a series of musical extravaganzas to celebrate important sectors [of] society. The first three concerts were held last year to honor the country’s soldiers, athletes and teachers.

In a statement, the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were scheduled to attend the concert but were not yet there at press time.

READ: Alliance of Health Workers says sector needs solution more than concert

One of the highlights of Sunday’s event was the recognition of three United Kingdom-based nurses, who were conferred the British Empire Medal (BEM) from the British monarchy: Xyza Macutay-Malloch, Charito Leonardo-Romano and Louie Horne.

The medal is usually given “in recognition of meritorious civil or military service by His Majesty the King,” according to the UK government website.

Macutay-Malloch, who hails from the city of Ilagan in Isabela province, received the BEM in 2021 for her “outstanding contributions to [British] society” during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCO said.

As part of their recognition, she and Leonardo-Romano were invited to witness His Royal Highness King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in May 2023.

Work during pandemic

Leonardo-Romano, on the other hand, received her BEM in 2021 for her commendable and courageous work in the UK during the pandemic.

She was also recognized by President Marcos during her courtesy call on the Chief Executive on August 1, 2023, for her work at Arbrook House, a facility providing specialized medical care for those with serious illnesses and vulnerable to COVID-19 in Surrey, Southeast England.

Formerly a native of Albay province, Horne received the BEM in 2023 for her contributions to nursing and advocacy for international staff within the National Health Service (NHS), the Palace said.

She became the first Filipino Lamp Bearer at the 58th Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster.

Featured artists at the concert were Martin Nievera, the Douglas Nierras Powerdance dance group, The Clash Philippines’ finalist Garrett Bolden, singer and former child actor Brenan Espartinez; singer and music coach Justin Taller; singer Christel Galacan; and singer and theater artist Lara Maigue.