Rocco Nacino on military frontliners: 'I felt pity but also sensed their strength and hope'
Descendants of the Sun Ph actor Rocco Nacino spent his 33rd birthday doing charity work for his fellow military men who are helping in the fight against 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
On Monday, together with his fellow Navy reservist and other officers, the actor gave food and drinks to soldiers who were on duty to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
In his 24 Oras interview with reporter Nelson Canlas, Rocco said that he chose to spend the special day purposefully by lending out a helping hand to the uniformed personnel who are putting the needs of their countrymen over their own.
“I felt that it would be selfish kaya mas naramdaman ko na mas gusto ko i-spread 'yung kasiyahan na mararamdaman ko sa birthday ko with them,” he said.
The Navy reservist also related that he felt pity for them who still carry out their duties despite the unbearable heat.
“To see them, nakaramdam ako ng kahit papaano, awa e.
"Kasi sa totoo lang, nu'ng nando'n kami 11:00 am. Titrik na tirk na 'yung araw. They were in uniform. I was in uniform suot ko 'yung Navy uniform ko at grabe na 'yung pawis ko. So what more pa sa kanila na buong umaga hanggang gabi nakapuwesto sila sa checkpoints nila."
“I felt pity pero naramdaman ko 'yung strength tsaka hope na mayroon sila. Nu'ng nag-uusap kami, sabi ko, 'Mga Sirs, mga Ma'ams, kaya n'yo 'yan, konti na lang 'yan,'” he added.
Rocco also shared his perspective on how the public can help the military, doctors, nurses and other frontliners who are battling the deadly virus.
“Ang pinaka-puwede nating gawin is to cheer them on.
"Best way talaga is to just stay at home. Sa mga kailangan talaga lumabas please follow the guidelines at sumunod. 'Yung iba magsabi ng totoo sa checkpoints.
“At kung gusto n'yo tumulong, nand'yan naman ang Kapuso Foundation puwede kayo mag-donate doon,” he added.
Rocco is a Petty Officer Third Class of the Philippine Navy Reserve Command.
He graduated from his basic civilian's military training last October 2019 after completing 15 sessions of rigorous training and lectures to become a fully-fledged Navy reservist.
Meanwhile, in a bid to curb the spread of the disease, the government has placed Metro Manila in an enhanced community quarantine which regulates strict imposition of measures in Luzon, including the closure of Metro Manila from nearby cities and/or provinces, suspension of all mass transportation, strict compliance of home quarantine, closure of establishments, suspension of work, and an 8:00 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew until April 12.
Watch the full 24 Oras report:
For learn more about GMA's efforts to help fight the spread of COVID-19, visit https://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donate
Rocco Nacino pleads to patients to disclose all relative information to health workers