The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) Secretary expressed his words of gratitude for all frontliners and health workers amid the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.
This, as the country continues its fight against the virus that has already claimed 12 lives and afflicted 140 Filipinos in the country, as of press time.
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“Alam kong pare-pareho tayong pagod at halos abot na sa dulo ang sakripisyo. Itong pagkamusta ko sa inyo ay isa na ring pagyakap at pagsaludo sa lubos na serbisyo sa ating bansa. Itong serbisyo sa ating bansa at lalong-lalo na sa ating kapwa Pilipino – these are tough times for the Philippines. Our countrymen are scared and many are already sick or are in danger of falling ill as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds,”
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused community quarantines across the country including the following areas in the Philippines:
– Oriental Mindoro
– Province of Batanes
– Province of Cebu
– Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte
– El Nido, Palawan
– Puerto Princesa City
– Province of Antique
– Zamboanga City
– Iloilo City
– Ormoc City
– Davao City
– Siargao Islands
– Province of Capiz
– Borongan City
Despite this, Duque continues to assure that Filipino health workers are equipped and prepared to face the threats of the viral disease to the best of their department’s capabilities in coordination with relevant authorities.
“I want you to know that we value each and every person in the frontline. And we are exerting all efforts to ensure you are protected and equipped despite the limitations. We are trying our level best to be able to ensure adequate protection,” said Duque.
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The Health Secretary hopes that the Philippines unites as a nation to pray to overcome COVID-19: “Stay strong and keep alert. Keep heart. The Filipino people will never forget your heroism in this phase of great adveristy. And may your families, relatives and friends continue to understand our solemn oath. I pray with them and the whole nation that we shall overcome.”
Watch Duque’s message here:
