Local frontliners hailed as heroes

CEBU, Philippines —  On the occasion of the National Heroes Day yesterday, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, Emergency Operations Center chief implementer, acknowledged the efforts of the barangay emergency response teams, tanods, Task Force Kasaligan and even garbage collectors.

He also considered as heroes those who are working at vaccination centers and the vaccinated.

“Apil pud ani ang tanang namakuna ug namakuna, para nako hero na sila kay they are responsible not only for themselves, their family and the community,” said Garganera.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Junard Chan recognized the medical workers, personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, garbage collectors, rescuers and government workers.

In his message during the celebration held at the Liberty Shrine, Chan said, “Sila nakigkumbate panahon sa pandemya bulahan maluwas kita. Akong akong saludo sa atong mga frontliners.”

Chan added that in this time of pandemic, everyone can be a hero by taking care of ourselves, as well as cooperating and maintaining discipline in following the minimum health protocols.

In Mandaue City, officials also celebrated its 52nd Charter Day alongside Heroes Day as they offered flowers to the Rizal-Bonifacio Memorial stage in Barangay Centro.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes expressed his thanks to the Mandauehanons in the past and present for making what Mandaue is today, which he described as “a progressive city.”

He said such deeds were “started in the past and continued by the present generation, who will not only push for more progress but also follow the health protocols as we face this pandemic.” —  Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, JMD (FREEMAN)