Health

As show of gratitude for frontliners: ‘Tie a Red Ribbon’

By Diana Ross Medrina Cetenta

March 26, 2020

The Department of Health in Mimaropa Region enjoins everyone to show support and gratitude to all Filipino doctors and frontliners who are now battling the COVID-19 through tying a red ribbon in their respective places.

“Our doctors, other health workers and frontliners are facing extreme risks and sacrificing their own health, life and family to serve the Filipino people in this fight against COVID-19. At least five (5) doctors have died already. Since we cannot reach them to show our support, can we please start a ‘Tie a red ribbon’ Campaign for our frontliners?” a part of the message shared by DOH-CHD Mimaropa Health Education and Promotion Unit (HEPU) chief Romalyn Racho to DOH private chatroom composed of the members of the media of the whole region.

The message, of which according to HEPU head Racho was initiated by a group of health workers and was sent to them by the DOH central office, public are enjoin to tie red ribbons in their gates, cars, trees, etc.

“We received the message…from central office to disseminate it [to the public], to show support sa ating mga frontliners,” Racho added.

“Red for love! Can we start now? Hoping for your support in our simple way of showing love and support for our frontliners,” the last part of the message says.

This campaign is also circulating in social media, amidst the death of some of Filipino doctors while performing their duty namely, Dr. Rose Pulido, Dr. Israel Bactol, Dr. Raul Diaz Jara, and Dr. Gregorio Macasaet and a number of health workers who are now under quarantine.

The DOH central office likewise released a message to their social media account, yesterday, expressing their respect, gratitude and love to all healthcare workers who died in the line of duty and to all who are still in the service despite the threat of COVID-19.

They ask the Filipino nation for a short prayer and commendation for all health workers for doing their utmost unselfish endeavor.

“Hindi maipapahayag sa salita ang napakalaking respeto namin sa ating mga frontline healthcare workers na inuna na kapakanan ng iba kaysa sa sarili. Pagkatapos ng sakunang ito, pagkatapos ng hamong ito—kami ay magbabalik-tanaw sa mga panahong kayo ay taos pusong naglingkod sa mamamayang Pilipino. Hindi namin malilimutan ang sakripisyo ninyo,” it says.

“Nasaan man kayo ngayon, handog namin ang isang malaking saludo at walang hanggang pasasalamat. Sa puso namin, kayo ang tunay na mga bayani.”