MARCH is very special for Dabawenyos as this marks the birth month of one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines -- Davao City.
The founding anniversary, dubbed as Araw ng Dabaw, has always been a joyous celebration of the city's milestone from being a vast land to now one of the centers of trade and commerce in Mindanao and the entire Philippines.
But the vibrant pomp and pageantry turned into a somber atmosphere in March 2020 as it was already the advent of what would be a global turmoil -- the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the absence of a festive vibe, the spirit of Araw is alive.
For the second year around, the city celebrated its birthday in a low-key meaningful manner as it continues to honor not only the city's founding fathers and its glorious history, but also to those who made an impact on the city. This time, in honor of frontliners who passionately offered their service and lives in the midst of the health crisis.
In her message, Duterte-Carpio gave her salute to all Covid-19 frontliners -- those who died from the virus and the public who continue to abide by the minimum health protocols.
"And so, let this 2021 Araw ng Dabaw be a tribute to all our frontliners, to all whom we have lost this past year, and to each Dabawenyo abiding by the protocols set in place to ensure each other's safety, for it is our grit, our tenacity, and our discipline that will see us through to the end of this pandemic, in the hopes that we may one day safely celebrate our Araw ng Dabaw in the streets once more," the mayor said.
Here are some of the testimonies of some frontliners, and how they remain strong amidst the challenges brought about the uncertain times.
Hennesey Granados Rubite
Nurse
Being a nurse assigned in a Covid ward is a lot of responsibilities. Wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the first time is new to us. When the pandemic started, we were uncertain about what will happen in the next months that eventually turned into a year. Every day, we touch lives and provide them with the health services that we have. To be in a front line is a tough job (not just for the nurses). It’s never easy but being compassionate towards other people gives comfort during these hard times. My family and the people I work with is what keep me motivated. After all, there may or may not have a pandemic, to serve our commitment.
Gicelle Rapisura
Doctor
Yes, it has been a year indeed and I can still recall the first time that we've been assigned to the Covid team. I never expected that a pandemic would eventually happen. It has been a roller coaster ride for me -- being a frontliner and a Covid-positive patient before -- there have been a lot of realizations for sure. But one thing that strikes the most is that and this may be a very common one, Life is short. Yes, a dramatic and overused statement but that is the truth. There have been so many lives lost unexpectedly because of this pandemic and we've been away from the people that we love because of our work as frontliners. There have been a lot of what-ifs and should have been in my life for the past year that I could ever imagine. What's more important is that we value our life and the lives of others not just with our patients but also with the ones that we love and the people that we value the most. What keeps me motivated? Basically my duty as a doctor, it's a profession that I chose and will continue doing wherever I may be assigned.
Oliver Menil
Food delivery rider
As for me, one thing I realized, especially last year when the pandemic started, was that things we used would suddenly stop and the world would be at a standstill. And that made me realize that everything is temporary on this earth. Only God knows what lies ahead. Also, I realized that nothing is impossible when we help one another.
During the pandemic, being a delivery rider is very essential in this pandemic. Since we are more accessible 24/7, and we not only bring convenience to those at home and within their offices, we also ensure their safety as they won't have to be obliged in going outside, which is very risky.
Despite the hardships, I keep myself motivated through my family and my personal desires.
Bianca Allawan
Teacher
No one is prepared for this pandemic to happen. It brings so much trouble to me.
Unfortunately, the supposed "temporary suspension" of face-to-face classes continued until today.
This pandemic changed the nature of our job, from face-to-face classes, we have to prepare and provide modules for our learners. We thought that our work would become lighter, but it seemed like we had more loads of work. Every week, we have to check 400 plus modules. Even if we want to focus on checking papers in school, but we still have a lot of modules to sort and staple.
This pandemic made me realized the parents' support. Today's setup is truly challenging especially for students with a lack of support from their parents. We cannot blame them because they prioritized their needs over other things. That's why we receive either late or incomplete modules.
However, amidst the challenging situation, I can see some parents doing their best in supporting their children. They come to school to claim and return modules and find time to assist and teach their children. These kinds of parents motivate me to continue my job. If these parents are doing their best yet not being paid for, much that I have to work harder to equate what they have sown.