Cebu City lauds Feliciano couple’s efforts during pandemic

CEBU, Philippines —  Retired major general Melquiades Feliciano and his wife, Mia, accepted yesterday the Cebu City government’s recognition for their efforts in the city’s fight against COVID-19.

The couple was recognized during the City Council’s regular session.

The Felicianos came to Cebu City at the height of the pandemic way back middle of last year.

Mia, a nurse, is a Cebuana who finished her degree at then Cebu Doctors’ College. She said that even if her family no longer lives here, her heart has “never left Cebu.”

In fact, she said she has been in contact with her classmates and friends in the medical field by making them aware of the situation here.

Day in and day out, the Felicianos worked to help put a system in place, thanks to retired major general Feliciano’s military background and Mia’s clinical and public health experience in the United States.

When the situation in Cebu City eased towards the end of last year, the couple then proceeded to Western Visayas to help in the COVID-19 efforts there. They also helped other LGUs in Mindanao and Luzon.

Though elated with the recognition, Mia, who is doing volunteer work, emphasized that “the battle is not over yet.”

“We have to continue to stand our ground and be vigilant, work together and heal us one,” she said.

The couple also shared the recognition with all those who have helped in combatting the virus.

Despite the ongoing spike in the cases here, the Feliciano couple expressed confidence that the city and its Emergency Operations Center could eventually contain the cases.

“The culture of dedication and hardwork was developed. And for me, it became a ‘virus’ that spread at the EOC faster than COVID-19,” said the retired major general. — JMD (FREEMAN)