‘Backliners’ support COVID-19 frontliners in QC

Behind the frontliners of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) are "backliners" who handle operations behind the scenes amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

According to Saleema Refran’s report on “24 Oras,” this was the logistics and training team of the QCDRRMO, assigned to address the needs of the frontliners.

“Sila naman ‘yung tinatawag naming backliner, meaning they work behind the scenes. Sabi nga natin 'di bale pagod ang ating frontliners, ‘wag silang gutom at hndi sila haharap sa gera na wala silang sandata,” QCDRRMO chief Myke Marasigan said.

Rainier Ting, a backliner,  said they should not let frontliners handle everything.

“Hindi naman puwedeng sila na ‘yung may hawak na pasyente tapos sila pa ‘yung mag-tatayo ng tents sa mga facilities, sila pa ‘yung mag hahatid ng pagkain. Masyado sila mapapagod,” Ting said.

Their jobs include ensuring that the city’s 1,200 frontliners are fed on time as well as to fix personal protective equipment of frontliners and contact tracers, set-up tents, and carry equipment.

Similar to frontliners, the backliners also face discrimination amid the pandemic.

"Medyo lalayo ‘yung tao. Medyo iiwas sila kapag may nagtanong medyo parang ayaw silang kausapin. Maliliit na concern pero, somehow nakakasakit ng damdamin para sa ibang tao, “ Carlo Garcia, special operations support staff, said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News