Apart from the country’s historical heroes, the city government led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong also dedicated the National Heroes’ Day Commemoration to people who have been serving on the frontlines of the fight against the Coronavirus Disease-19 pandemic as modern-day paragons of heroism.
In his speech during the Kalasag murals unveiling program spearheaded by the Dept. of Tourism as part of the celebration of the national event last Aug. 31, the mayor said the shield aptly embodies the attributes of the frontliners.
“Our frontliners are everyone’s shield during the pandemic…As challenging as our current situation has been, the fact remains that we are kept out of harm’s way, able to go about our daily lives, and be with our families because they have put their lives on the line in order to keep us away from the virus,” he said.
“They make sure that public safety and order is paramount at all time and that our citizens who need aid are well taken care of. They have selflessly given up their time, effort, security, and safety for us – something we can never repay back. They deserve our utmost respect and support.”
The frontline workers include the community volunteers, contact tracing team, kitchen support and food suppliers, workers in the grocery stores and accommodation facilities, military personnel, fire personnel, jail guards, public transport drivers, errand service providers, retail workers and service crew, media, government agencies, health care workers, and those who donated in cash and in kind, among others.
“Your sacrifices will resonate for generations to come. We want to acknowledge this gift of a continued life that you are giving to us at the risk of yours being lost. Your passion and dedication to your work are to be exemplified,” he said.
He urged residents to draw inspiration “to collaborate and build upon the hard work of our frontliners so we can all move forward together towards a better Baguio.”
The mayor also thanked the artists who were part of the program for being a vital part of community- building.
“You are our storytellers. Kitang kita sa inyong mga gawa and istorya natin kung paano tayo patuloy na lumalaban. Thank you for inspiring us despite the difficulties and for adding color where it is lacking,” he said.
The program held at the Sunshine Park featured the unveiling of the Kalasag Mural, a collaborative artwork by the city’s mural artists and volunteers with support from DOT-CAR, Baguio City Government, UP Baguio and Davies Paints.
It kicked off with the flag-hoisting led by the PNP Colors and a Tribute Song rendered by singer Ingrid Payaket.
“Art in the Park”, an art exhibit and workshop by the Pasakalye Group of Artists, was also held in honor of frontliners. – Aileen P. Refuerzo