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Fil-Ams, OFWs among frontliners urging end to discrimination vs. Asians

A video featuring Asian frontliners working in different countries is urging the public to stop discriminatory acts against them amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the video posted on Facebook on Saturday, Asian medical healthcare workers based in countries including the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom among others shared one message: "I am not a virus."

About two-thirds of the participants shown are Filipino, while the rest are Malaysian, Singaporean, Chinese,  and Indian.

The video is a collaboration between the US-based National Association of Asian American Professionals, the #IAMNOTAVIRUS initiative, and public relations firm TBWA\Santiago Mangada Puno.

Since studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic originated in China, a "growing wave of discrimination has formed against anyone of Asian origin," even if they are frontliners risking their lives to save others, said the group. 

IN the video, one heath worker says he sponges the bodies of patients when their fever is raging, while another says she pumps air into their lungs "so they can breathe."

The group said that there are thousands just like them who, despite being far away from their homes and families, continue to their work to save lives.

They are only asking for an end to the racism and discrimination against them based on their being Asian.

"We are your weapons against a menacing superpower that doesn't discriminate," they said. "Humans should learn from the virus. We are more powerful when we don't discriminate." — Kaela Malig/BM, GMA News