Palma, Dino win fight vs COVID-19

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino have recovered from COVID-19.

In a report by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines' news page, Palma and retired Auxiliary Bishop Antonio Rañola were reported to have arrived at their residence at around 5 p.m. yesterday after 10 days in the hospital.

In a video message, the archbishop thanked the medical workers who treated them and those who prayed for their speedy recovery.

“It’s nice to be home to resume our duties and ministries,” Palma said.

The archbishop also asked the faithful to continue praying for other people who are infected with Covid-19, especially those who died from the virus.

“For us who are given another opportunity to continue our ministry, we say praise God,” he said.

Despite the pandemic, he said that they have so much to be thankful for with the upcoming 500 Years of Christianity (500YOC) celebration.

The archdiocese will launch the year-long commemoration on April 14, to also mark the 500th anniversary of the first baptism in the Philippines that happened in Cebu.

“We have so much to prepare for, so much to celebrate and we have a legacy to share,” he said. “And with you, we say the 500YOC will continue.”

Meanwhile, Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas was discharged from the hospital the other day after he was tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago. His wife and son, who had also tested positive for the virus, are also now recovered.

 “After almost two weeks in the hospital, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Dino, his wife Tin (and) son Shawn finally won their battle against COVID-19 and were discharged today (Saturday). Sec. Mike developed moderate pneumonia on both lower lung lobes,” said Dr. Potenciano Larrazabal III, president and chairman of the board of Cebu Doctors Group of Hospitals, in a Facebook post the other day.

Larrazabal added that the hospital administered plasma therapy, anticoagulants, steroids and various IV antiviral meds on Dino.

Dino said that his bout with COVID-19 made him appreciate all the more the efforts and sacrifices of the healthcare frontliners in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He said his symptoms progressed from mild to moderate, which led to his hospital admission.

“The care I received from the nurses and all other hospital personnel somehow made my journey to recovery endurable,” said Dino.  — JMD (FREEMAN)