Health care frontliners have arguably made the greatest of sacrifices in the country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by putting their lives at constant risk while treating patients afflicted by the deadly virus. 

In the early part of 2020 when there was a surge of COVID-19 cases, the entire health care system was overwhelmed, and as the tally of active cases and deaths went up, so did the number of doctors, nurses and other health frontliners who were infected and even succumbed while performing their task of saving lives.

There is Dr. CJ Castillo, who contracted COVID-19 while treating patients in the intensive care unit. She was comatose for close to two weeks and almost lost her life while trying to save the lives of others.

Then there is Dr. Nicko Bautista, who was among the eight who perished in a plane crash at NAIA in March of 2020. Dr. Bautista was part of a medical mission to Tokyo, Japan when the tragic accident took place.

Cesar Velasco, a clinical support worker based in the United Kingdom, was intubated for 52 days after contracting the deadly virus. He barely survived his ordeal but in spite of what happened, he remains committed to his duty to this day.

Theresa Cruz, a registered nurse, who after 10 years of service, also contracted COVID-19. She never wavered in her passion and dedication to her job even if it meant exposing herself to the deadly virus. The single mother lost her battle with COVID and left behind her three children.

Like the families and friends of Castillo, Bautista and Cruz, as well as all of the health workers who continue their work in the front lines of the battle against COVID-19, the entire nation salutes these new heroes.

Senator Sonny Angara, who contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized, paid tribute to our health frontliners, who he said are the epitome of Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Pinoy).

Because of their outstanding service, Filipino health care workers have earned praise both domestically and internationally. They are among the best and most reliable in their field of work and bring honor to the Philippines, wherever they are in the world.

“Habang hindi tumitigil ang laban kontra COVID-19, hindi din tumitigil ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong handang mag alay ng sarili para sa iba. Handang sumuong sa giyera kahit pa buhay nila ang nakataya. Walang hanggang pagpupugay para sa Filipino health workers. Mabuhay ang Tatak Pinoy!” Angara said.

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