MAYOR Evelio Leonardia ordered Friday, August 14, 2020, that flags at the Bacolod City Government Center, Old City Hall and Public Plaza be flown at half staff starting Monday, August 17, until end of the month.

Leonardia said this is to honor the healthcare workers and frontliners who have died in the line of duty in the fight against the global pandemic.

This is also in time for the observance of the National Heroes’ Day (Araw ng mga Bayani) on August 31, the day in honor of the bravery of all Filipino heroes who fought bravely for the nation's freedom.

Leonardia’s directive is also in consonance with Resolution No. 2 series of 2020 of the Negros Association of Chief Executives (ACE) to “display the Philippine flag at half-mast from August 17 to 31 in honor of the frontliners who have succumbed to Covid-19.”

The resolution said the virus has claimed the lives of 2,426 people, based on the latest update of the Department of Health, as of the time of the ACE meeting on August 12.

Among these fatalities were frontliners, mostly medical practitioners, who have served the country--saving other people’s lives to the detriment of their health and safety.

“Their heroic deeds deserve recognition from the people for whom they have laid down their lives,” the resolution stated.

The resolution was passed during the ACE virtual meeting on August 12. It was signed by Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca - president, Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Arthur Golez - secretary-general; and San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara - treasurer and acting secretary.

Others attending the virtual meeting were Mayors Evelio Leonardia of Bacolod City, Salvador Escalante of Cadiz City, Rogelio Raymund Tongson Jr. of Himamaylan City, Maria Gina Lizares of Sipalay City, Nicholas Yulo of Bago City, Renato Gustilo of San Carlos City, Jose Nadie Arceo of Hinigaran, Jose Maria Alonso of Pontevedra, Lawrence Marxlen Dela Cruz of Don Salvador Benedicto, Enrique Miravalles of Valladolid, Irene Montilla of Isabela, Victor Gerardo Rojas of Murcia, and Cicero Borromeo of Candoni. (PR)