Biden pays tribute to Fil-American nurses amid pandemic

US President Joe Biden cited the contributions of Filipino-Americans through the centuries but noted the selfless service and sacrifices by the nurses amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

"Filipino Americans have continued to serve and sacrifice in one of the darkest years in our history, selflessly working on the widespread frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Biden in a statement posted by the Philippine Embassy in the US on social media accounts.

"According to one study from last fall, while Filipino Americans comprised just four percent of the nurses in the United States in 2020, they accounted for nearly a third of all nurses who tragically lost their lives due to COVID-19," he added.

He also said that the country "mourns the losses and honors the tremendous contributions of Filipino Americans during this global health crisis and throughout our history."

Biden took note of the participation of Filipino Americans, since the 16th century, "who have served our Nation, defended our democracy, and fought for the promise of a more just and inclusive America."

He cited fighting enemies in World War II, the Delano Grape Strike in California, "they catalyzed permanent changes that improved the conditions of farm labor in the United States."    -- BAP, GMA News