On Day of Valor, senators honor COVID-19 frontliners

Senators recognized the sacrifices of health care workers and other frontliners amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation as the Day of Valor and Maundy Thursday both fall on April 9 this year.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said these selfless workers are the new breed of Filipino heroes not only in the country but also in other parts of the world.

"Ngayon, sa gitna ng pagdurusa at pagkabalisa, isang bagong lahi ng mga bayani ang lumilitaw, nagpapakita ng lakas ng loob at katatagan sa pakikipaglaban upang malagpasan ang pandemya ng COVID-19," Pangilinan said in a statement.

"Saludo rin sa lahat ng mga OFW health workers, lalong-lalo na ang mga nars, sa lahat ng bahagi ng buong mundo, sa kanilang serbisyo para sa kalusugan ng sangkatauhan," he added.

Senator Leila De Lima also thanked the frontliners for their dedication to serve the people amid this "new battle" that the country is facing.

"Our heartfelt gratitude and admiration goes out to our doctors, nurses, health workers, volunteers and other frontliners who put their lives on the line so that others may live amidst this pandemic," she said in a separate statement.

De Lima extended her condolences to the loved ones of the 21 Filipino doctors and other workers who succumbed to COVID-19.

"Tunay nga pong ang bayan natin ay duyan ng magiting. At sa mapanghamong panahong ito, nagtitiwala ako’t patuloy na nananalangin: mananaig ang malasakit, pananampalataya at pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipino," she added.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian reminded government officials to prioritize public safety and welfare amid the health emergency.

"I call on my fellow public servants to set aside political interests and rise above political differences. Our people need their leaders at this time of crisis," he said.

He likewise reminded the Filipino families to be steadfast in their faith and to remain hopeful.

"This is the first time in our lifetime to celebrate the Holy Week in an unusual way. Together with our families and loved ones, let us remain resilient while holding on to our faith that this too shall pass," Gatchalian said.

As of April 8, the Philippines recorded a total of 3,870 cases of COVID-19, with 182 deaths and 96 recoveries. --KBK, GMA News