CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella honored the frontliners in the fight against COVIC-19 as the nation commemorated the Day of Valor or the Araw ng Kagitingan yesterday.
In his message, Labella highlighted the heroism of the frontliners like the Filipino soldiers who defended the country during the World War II.
He said the bravery of the Filipinos is instrument in having independent and democratic Philippines.
Labella said that while honoring the heroes, Filipinos must also remember the dedication and firmness of the frontliners, whom he called as modern heroes, fighting the pandemic.
“Our country is built on the bravery of the generations that came ahead of us. We are here today because of them. That courage helped us go through the horrors of World War II. Today’s Day of Valor looks back to those harrowing years and our people’s courage that shone through our horrible experience. Our history is enriched by the valor of such names as Leon Kilat, Arcadio Maxilom, Lapulapu, and the many others who stood up for our people,” Labella said.
He added that bravery is one of the Cebuano traits especially in helping the combat against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ang kaisog kinaiya gayud natong mga Sugbuanon. Makig-bisog kita labi na kung ang kaluwasan sa atong komunidad ang hisgutan. That bravery and love for country continues today. We see it in the many frontliners helping our community in the fight of our generation: protecting our people from a pandemic,” the mayor added.
Around 50 health workers from Central Visayas were sent to augment the National Capital Region the other day.
Labella had announced that the city government will give a monthly allowance of P10,000 to each health workers being sent to Manila.
Last year, the city also gave hazard pay to frontliners including in the barangay serving amidst the fight against the COVID-19.
It is a way of giving importance to frontliners who are risking their lives to serve the public. — GMR (FREEMAN)