City to recognize frontliners during Independence Day

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Councilor Philip Zafra is pushing that due recognition be given during the city’s commemoration of the 123rd Philippine Independence Day to all frontliners in the fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

During a privilege speech, Zafra described all frontliners, especially medical health workers, as “new heroes” worthy of commendation.

“While we are still in limbo finding its cure, amidst all this, and perhaps because of this, we have found in us something more precious--hope, faith and strength to overcome this crisis. Mga higala, we have in us, the ability to persevere, to have courage, to help those who are in need,” said Zafra.

Among those to be recognized are the health workers who were in the forefront in the battle against COVID-19, Philippine National Police, Task Force Kasaligan, AMRO, and ERUF. The city is also giving recognition to Secretary Roy Cimatu who was sent here by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to oversee the COVID-19 situation at the height of the infection and IATF Visayas chief implementer retired Major General Melquiades Feliciano.

Councilor Joel Garganera will also receive commendation for going an extra mile as the deputy chief implementer of the Emergency Operations Center. The barangay captains, who are in the first line of defense, will share the same recognition.

Zafra is also giving credit to private individuals who allowed the use of their private properties as isolation centers including Michael Gleissner of Big Foot Studios for the establishment of the Noah Complex and Project Balik Buhay for the Bayanihan Field Centers I and II.

As the city government moves forward with the vaccination program against COVID-19, Zafra also recommended that recognition be given to lawyer Augusto Go together with the management of SM and Robinsons for allowing their properties to be used as vaccination sites. (FREEMAN)