Pampanga nurse guides colleagues in cycling to work amid lockdown

A nurse in Pampanga has volunteered to guide his colleagues in cycling to work amid the coronavirus  disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In an episode of "Frontliners," a Brigada special online series, Ivan Abril said he has tried biking to the hospital before due to the transportation issues in their area.

When public transport was suspended, he picked it up again and encouraged his co-workers to do the same.

"Everyone was having a very difficult time paano makakapasok sa work," he said. "'Yung iba, puwede naman silang mag-work from home pero kami as a frontliner, hindi naman puwede 'yun. Hindi naman puwedeng dalhin 'yung mga pasyente sa 'min."

Ivan said some of his colleagues were fine with the idea of biking to work, but they were hesitant at first because they do not have experience cycling on the road.

He helped them find bikes to use and committed to leading them on the streets to make sure they are safe.

READ: This community has helped hundreds of frontliners bike to work

"Kung dati left lang ang titingnan mo or konting tingin lang sa right, ngayon parang dalawa ka nag-o-occupy sa daan," he said. "Kailangan mo na ring i-make sure na may enough space ka na maibibigay para doon sa kasama mo."

It was a challenge, but Ivan welcomed the opportunity to assist others in getting to work and getting home to their families.

He knows first hand how dangerous it is on the road, as he himself met an accident before. Once, he nearly collided with a motorcycle which changed lanes on a bumpy road but thankfully he was able to hit the brakes.

"Ang iisipin mo na lang at least, hindi ka napuruhan. Kasi may duty ka eh. You have to go to work," he said. "Kasi 'yung mga pasyente continuous yan, hindi naman sila nauubos so pasensyahan na lang, palakasan na lang ng loob."

Ivan said having proper bike lanes would go a long way in protecting cyclists and preventing accidents. He also said it is important to educate motorists on the spaces allotted for pedestrians and cyclists.

READ: Bicycle lanes eyed in 7 areas in Metro Manila — Duterte

"At least in that way, mas ma-enhance pa natin lalo 'yung bike lane kung bakit siya nandoon and kung kanino siya intended talaga," he said.

Despite the risks, Ivan said he will still cycle to work in order his sworn duty to heal people amid the pandemic.

"So at least we're here, frontliners, to guide everybody," he said. "Sana lahat kami makarating nang maayos sa paroroonan namin." —MGP, GMA News