The first Filipino to test positive with COVID-19 shares how he got through it

The first three coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines all turned out to be foreigners.

It wasn't until March 5, when a Filipino tested positive for COVID-19. Patient 4 is the first Filipino COVID-19 case in the country. 

On Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Patient 4 introduced himself: "Si Carlo Navarro po ako. Ako po yung patient number 4. Ako po yung unang Pilipino na nag-test positive." 

Navarro narrated he first had fever and then he felt body go weak before he decided to go to St. Lukes Hospital to get himself checked.

At first, the hospital didn't want to test him, Carlo narrated, but he insisted: "No you have to test me dahil sa tingin ko meron ako so napilitan sila."

The very next day, he received a call from the Department of Health (DOH) who delivered the terrifying news: He tested positive.

Navarro said several things ran through his mind. He even mulled writing his own will.

"Marami akong naiisip nun including yung dapat siguro sulatin ko na 'yung will ko, sinasabi ko na kung nasaaan yung mga assets ko," he said.

Despite his situation, Navarro remained in high spirits. He believed he will make it through, because he said he lived a healthy life before getting infected with COVID-19.

"I was very positive na malalabas ako dun, kasi nabuhay naman ako nang health," he said.

He said being infected with COVID-19 doesn't not mean death.

Navarro said prayers, a healthy lifestyle, and his positive mindset are what helped him get through it.

"'Pag nagkaroon ka ng virus, hindi iyan automatic na mamamatay ka agad,” he said.

“Sa tingin ko yung pagdadasal, pagkain nang tama, pagtulog nang tama, lahat iyon makakatulong po sa inyo. Basta maniwala ka lang na kayang-kaya mo labanan iyong virus," he added.

After spending two weeks in the hospital, Carlo was discharged. He is among the 19 who have recovered in the Philippines.

The number of persons infected with the COVID-19 in the Philippines has climbed to 501 on Tuesday morning, according to DOH. Of this number, 33 have died. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News