Rep. Rodriguez wants March 21 declared Nat'l COVID-19 Health Frontliner's Day

Cagayan De Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez is proposing to declare March 21 of every year as the National COVID-19 Health Frontliner's Day in recognition of the heroism of medical workers who are in the frontlines of the battle against the contagious disease.

In filing House Bill 6774, Rodriguez pointed out that when Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine on March 16 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, there were "those who were required to work in the face of a relatively unknown threat to their lives."

Among them were doctors, nurses and other health and medical personnel, he said.

“They are the ones who face this virus head on, risking their own personal safety. Among the first doctors dying from the virus were Israel Bactol, who died on March 21; Rosalinda Pulido, also on March 21; Romeo Gregorio Macasaet lll, on March 22; and Raul Diaz Jara, who died on March 25,” Rodriguez said.

The Philippine Medical Association, as early as March 26, said that nine doctors had already died from the disease, according to Rodriguez.

By May 18, the Department of Health reported that 2,314 health workers had already been infected with COVID-19, most of them doctors and nurses, he added.

“Despite this, our frontline health workers are not wavering and they still continue to help patients in different hospitals. Some doctors went back to work after recovering from the virus. We should not forget their sacrifices. They are our modern-day heroes,” Rodriguez said.

Under House Bill 6774, the Department of Health is tasked to lead the observance of the National COVID-19 Health Frontliner's Day on March 21 of every year with a line-up of programs and activities.

The measure also mandates other government agencies and local government units to support the DOH “in all efforts to facilitate and promote related activities."

They are likewise urged to encourage their employees and the public to join in the observance of the COVID-19 Health Frontliner's Day.

Rodriguez called on his colleagues to approve his proposal before they adjourn sine die next week.

As of May 27, a total of 15,049 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Philippines, with 904 deaths and 3,506 recoveries. --KBK, GMA News