A tribute to our frontliners

It was the 75th day since the enhanced community quarantine started when it was implemented last March 15 due to the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic.

We've been stuck in our own homes—some do their work from home while others wait for the relief goods to be able to survive the day—unable to do the usual activities we do everyday for almost three months. This means we are not allowed to go outside to work or to catch up with our friends for some late-night hangouts.

But while some of us are staying at home, being bored and irritated of being unable to go outside, more Filipino workers are risking their lives to the virus to provide for our essentials—food, water, healthcare, hygiene, electricity, internet connections, and even entertainment. 

As a tribute to their braveness and dedication, the Manila Standard has asked some of our frontliners to tell their thank you message for their fellow frontliners.

"Sending love and support to all frontliners! Maraming salamat sa inyo! Marami sa atin ang ayaw na lumabas ng kani-kanilang tahanan dahil sa takot para sa sarili at sa pamilya, but we continue to go and fight the unseen enemy, kahit na hindi tayo sigurado kung ano ang mangyayari sa kinabukasan. Kumapit lang tayo at magtiwala sa magagawa ng awa ng Dios

. May God bless us all!" —Chiara Kris Cabanglan, Staff Pharmacist, Cainta Municipal Hospital

"To my co-RT, I know that we are all tired of wearing a hazmat suit that causes excessive sweating, from wearing super tight respirators that may cause skin damage to face, and from the straight duties that are surely tiring. I know that all the sacrifices will be worth it and we’re going to flatten the curve. I want to give a warm thank you to all my colleagues for all the sacrifices and hardships that you’ve done to fight the virus. I know that we can overcome this. I hope that all of us will follow the rules for the protection against COVID-19. Praying for all of you to stay safe and healthy." —Earl Christian Reyes, Respiratory Therapist, National Kidney and Transplant Institute

"Hi, colleagues! I hope you are doing fine. We are very proud of you. We are blessed to have you. As you fight this pandemic, we pray for your protection and strength not only for you but also for your loved ones who are also worried and anxious about your safety. My husband is a frontliner too, that's why I know the feeling of your family at home waiting for you. We pray for comfort as you fight COVID-19 alongside with other frontliners. Our nation is surviving because of your help. Thank you." —Joana Rae Ramiro, Dentist; Banzali Dentreat Clinic and a wife

"To all our fellow medical technologists, thank you. Thank you for all your sacrifices and efforts, not just during this pandemic, but all throughout your careers. We are proud that you stayed and joined this battle, no matter how dangerous it is. We worked hard to be here, to be a medical technologist, do not let this pandemic destroy you and your love for your profession. May you always remember that you are strong and yes, you are one of our modern heroes. We believe in you and in your abilities. This will all come to an end, just hang in there, we can get through this together. Once again, thank you and may God bless you always." —Veronica Parayao, registered medical technologist

"Pangarap kong maging manggagamot noong Grade 2 ako. Nang magkaroon ako ng cute na kaklaseng gustong maging chemist, ‘chemist’ na rin ang sinusulat ko sa mga slambook/autograph. Ngayon? Heto, alam ko na ang meaning ng ‘wave’ at ‘mass testing.' Ewan ko lang sa iba d’yan. Mabuhay kayong mga natuloy maging doktor, o kung ano mang gampanin n’yo sa medical frontline. Walang alay na salita o TikTok video ang makapaghihilom sa hirap n’yong pinagdaraanan ngayon. Pero sana, kung inyong mamarapatin, hayaan n’yong sabihin kong: Huwag kayong matakot. Kilala ng tupa ang boses ng kanyang pastol, at gayundin s’ya sa kanyang tupa, at susunod sila sa kanya

." —Edniel Parrosa, News Writer/Reporter, DZRH, and a son

"To my fellow food industry frontliners, not all frontliners are found in hospitals, some are found in restaurants or hotel kitchens, cooking and preparing delicious meals so that people can stay at home and be safe. Those working in the front lines of the food industry also brave the unseen enemy to serve. Thank you for all that you do. To all the chefs, cooks, servers, and all food industry front liners, you all are the silent heroes during this pandemic. Thank you for your sacrifices. Mabuhay tayong lahat

!" —Marc Patrick Santillan, Kitchen Manager, Pares Retiro

"These days are tough. And we do not have much to offer. As frontliners, we become selfless—offering nothing but our lives for a greater good, larger than our own selves. We often bend but don't break. To all the fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, mybrothers and sisters in the frontlines, our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ love you! Not a strand of your hair will fall to the ground unnoticed by Him! We love you! We pray for you! We will be thankful forever that we were being ministered by 'angels'—the frontliners!" —Robert Oximas, a frontliner and a father

Yesterday, as I went to bed, I watched a video of a man helping a needy. When asked why he helped him unhesitantly, he shared, "We all have been suffering right now, but we must always remember to remain and choose to be a good person." Maybe this was also one of the million reasons why most of our frontliners opted to sacrifice themselves to do their job instead of staying at home—their love for their fellowmen. 

Reading these messages from the frontliners themselves, may we all think to responsibly comply with the protocols that we are given—whether we are in a higher position or not—knowing that there are people risking their lives just to provide our needs.

Thank you for being and staying brave to face this unseen battle. Thank you to all those who sacrificed their lives during their service. Words may be not enough to describe the gratitude we feel for your effort and dedication but we hope that these messages would reach you and inspire you. Know that, together with these simple words are our prayers and hope for your safety. Remember that, altogether, we will survive this.

From all of us—who are staying at home, from your fellow frontliners, from the people you are serving, from the Manila Standard—thank you to our modern heroes and "angels" here in these trying times, the frontliners! 

Stay safe!