DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año called on the public to commemorate the 122nd year of Philippine Independence Day by fighting for the country’s liberation from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“The resilience and heroism of the Filipino people which has led to our emancipation from more than 300 years of Spanish colonization is now being tested anew as we battle COVID-19 – an invisible adversary that is gripping the entire world,” he said in a statement.
“With the same passion and courage demonstrated by our forebears and heroes, we are called today to stand up and contribute our efforts to defeat COVID-19 and protect our communities, our neighbors, and our families from this disease. We are asked to act in unity, just like the revolutionary movement of previous generations, to attain our freedom from this pandemic,” he added.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, for his part, said the nation should honor each and every frontliner working to beat the deadly virus.
"This Independence Day, as we once again salute our heroes, our noble fighters of old who secured for us the freedom and liberties that we enjoy today, we also honor the valor of our frontliners in the battle against COVID-19 – our doctors, nurses and other health workers, our soldiers and reservists, our civil defense workers and the many others who put their lives on the line to deliver the basic supplies and services that our households and communities direly need," Lorenzana said in a separate statement.
He said the courageous policemen, soldiers and especially the health workers are the modern-day heroes who can be compared to the Filipino heroes who fought foreign oppressors and secured the country's freedom.
"Many have bravely responded to the call, and dispensed their patriotic duties selflessly, and many have also paid the ultimate sacrifice," Lorenzana said.
"While we continue to battle with a treacherous adversary that remains unseen, our unity and cooperation will fortify each and every Filipino’s first line of defense," he added.
Most parts of the country have been on lockdown in the past three months, a measure to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, or Sars-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19.
As of 4 p.m. of June 11, the Department of Health reported the total number of infections at 24,175, with 1,036 deaths and 5,165 recoveries. (SunStar Philippines)