“I know pagod kayo… ‘wag kayo bibigay dahil kailangan tayo ng taumbayan,”

This message was aired by Mayor Isko Moreno to all of the city’s frontliners during this pandemic, as he led Manilans in commemorating the country’s 123rd anniversary of independence.

Moreno said that as the city continues to fight COVID-19, he enjoins Manilans to pay tribute to those at the frontlines of the pandemic, specially the health care workers who risk their very own lives to save others.

He likened the health frontliners to the country’s fallen heroes, in terms of the display of courage in fighting for their fellowmen.

The mayor said that in his 23 years in public service, he had never been prouder, as he cited the sacrifices of those frontlining in the fight against COVID 19.

He particularly lauded and expressed gratitude to those behind the operations of the six city-run hospitals, quarantine facilities, food security program and other essential offices like the city engineering office under City Engr. Armand Andres, the department of public services under Kenneth Amurao, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau under Dennis Viaje and the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office headed by Arnel Angeles as its director.

Moreno also praised and thanked Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna and the members of the Manila City Council led by majority floor leader Atty. Joel Chua for their continued support by way of passing enabling ordinances for administration-backed measures.

Too, the mayor commended the members of the vaccinating teams, headed by Lacuna and Manila Health Department chief Dr. Arnold ‘Poks’ Pangan, for their dedication to the goal of getting everyone in the city vaccinated.

Working 14 hours on days when vaccine supplies are available, Moreno said the vaccinating teams placed Manila on top as the city with the most number of vaccines deployed at the fastest pace within the National Capital Region.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Itchie G. Cabayan