Fellow doc sings 'Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan' in honor of cardiologist who died from COVID-19

A fellow doctor has dedicated a touching song tribute to his colleague Dr. Raul Diaz Jara, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frontliner who passed away on Tuesday.

On his Facebook account, Dr. Melfred Hernandez posted a video of him singing “Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan” by Kuh Ledesma.

“This is my way of thanking him and all the health workers who work hard and who were with him in his fight,” he said.

Hernandez and Jara were former members of the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus.

Hernandez said Jara was the one who inspired him to go places and become a doctor.

“He was very generous. He inspired me to go see the world, come back and just like him, go into med school and serve,” he said.

“It may have given up, it may have stopped beating this early morning but your heart will keep going on in the countless and in the millions of hearts you’ve touched and healed,” he added.

Jara, a cardiologist, was among the doctors from the Philippine Heart Center who tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the Philippine Heart Association, Jara spent his life teaching and imparting knowledge and wisdom to other people.

"One who made you sweat as he bombards you with questions but would suddenly make you feel at ease as he breaks into a smile. Each trainee he encountered and had taught always has a story to tell about him," the PHA said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday said doctors who died in the line of duty in the battle against COVID-19 are heroes.

He said they will be given the proper honor in due time.

The Philippines has so far recorded 552 COVID-19 cases including 35 deaths. -MDM, GMA News