Quezon City pays tribute to late city health chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government led by Mayor Joy Belmonte has paid tribute to city health department chief Dr. Esperanza Arias, who passed away at the age of 60 on Sept. 3.

Arias was laid to rest at Himlayang Pilipino on Saturday.

Belmonte joined the late city health chief’s family, friends and fellow local government workers during the last night of her wake at the Loyola Memorial Chapel in Quezon City.

In her eulogy, the mayor described Arias as a selfless and humble person, calling her a “warrior” for her dedication to serve the public at the height of the COVID pandemic.

“Under her leadership, we have improved our health care services by leaps and bounds. Dr. Arias was selfless and kind. She remained committed to her vocation despite her health and physical limitation,” Belmonte said.

“On behalf of the city government and all QCitizens, thank very much, Dr. Arias. It was a privilege to have you with us when our beloved city is facing serious challenges,” she added in Filipino.

Vice Mayor Gian Sotto described Arias as an inspiration and a model for everyone working in the local government.

In 2021, Arias received the Tandang Sora award for her role in the city’s fight against COVID.

As head of the city health department, she led of the initiatives that made Quezon City’s COVID response one of the most successful in the country.

Among these were the development of testing guidelines and ensuring that local health facilities are ready to handle the influx of cases. She also joined efforts to ensure the efficient rollout of the vaccination program.

The Tandang Sora award is conferred by the city on outstanding women who exemplify the heroine’s traits of honesty, industry, service, word of honor, kindness, caring and protectiveness.