Behind The Masks of Bravery - Stories of Frontliners

Behin d the m asks o f b ravery: Sto ries o f fron tl iners
By Patricia Candaza
•
• Twitter
• Google Plus
As kids, we would often watch cartoon characters gliding across cities with their capes
flowing in the wind. We would see them wearing contrasts of red and blue, and in some
cases, black. For years, we were made to believe that heroes are those who possess
supernatural powers--may it be superhuman strength or the power of invisibility.
However, as we grow older we become more aware of life’s nuances. We become more
aware of fiction and reality - and how they co-exist.
Today, as our nation grapples with the threats of a villain - an invisible enemy that is the
COVID-19 - we realize that being a hero does not necessarily mean having superpowers.
We realize that our modern-day heroes no longer wear capes but rather they wear lab
suits and personal protective equipment (PPE). Our modern day heroes are those who
choose to work despite the danger of the pandemic, those who continue to serve the
Filipino people.
Our heroes are the frontliners - the health authorities, military and police personnel,
journalists, food delivery drivers, government employees, bank employees, janitors,
garbage truck collectors, and traffic personnel. They are the people who choose to
remain in the frontlines.
This COVID-19 pandemic calls for an understanding of each other’s stories. We all have
different stories of how we are dealing with the crisis. For our frontliners, their journey to
work and while doing their work feel like being in a battle with the enemy, only that they
do not have superpowers.
A nurse in a public hospital also fears for the health and that of her family. Walking
home at night makes her worried that she might have contracted the disease.
The motivation
Our COVID-19 frontliners and the fictional superheroes we know are both brave and
passionate. They may not have superpowers like that of Superman, but their knowledge,
skills, and bravery are what make them heroes.
Fighting against COVID-19 is not an easy feat. It requires grit. Some of the COVID-19
frontliners in Cebu share where they get their strength.
“My inspiration as of the moment is having the big responsibility to be called a

frontliner. It inspires me in a way that I know a lot of people are looking up on me. My
family, my friends, and even strangers in my life are considering me to be an essential
human being,” shares Chaya Rei Alico, a registered medical technologist working in a
hospital in Cebu City.
For Police Master Sergeant Madelon Mangarin of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7), he
draws his inspiration from the support and assistance given to cops like him by the
public and of his superiors. What he finds rewarding is knowing that each day shall pass
and in the end, they will have the time to rest before taking on another day at the
frontlines.
Meanwhile, it is a different story for a billing clerk working in a public hospital who
draws motivation from her family. An administrative aid working in a hospital who asked
not to be named, she shares how difficult it is to go to work. She shares how she has to
walk for about three kilometers just to be able to report for work. She added that her
schedule makes it hard for her to avail of the free buses that the government offers. But
she thrives on in order to feed her family and to be able to pay for their daily expenses.
Police Senior Master Sergeant Ernesto Regidor, an Investigator of Discipline Law and
Order Section of the Regional Personnel Records and Management Division of PRO-7,
remains resolute in doing his duty as a policeman. Regidor’s source of motivation comes
from his faith and the support his family gives him.
Indeed, these frontliners may not have the power to read our minds nor the power to
teleport from one place to another, but what they have is beyond that. They have the
dedication to serve against all odds, they have the resiliency to withstand everyday
challenges.
Moving forward
“Stay at home.”
This is the call of the frontliners to the public. As the virus continues to be a deadly
threat, the fight becomes fiercer. Thankfully, we see how the spirit of our frontliners
never falters.
In its effort to extend support, the national government is providing added benefits to
frontliners. Some health workers are given COVID-19 Special Risk Allowance on top of
the hazard pay. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has also
offered COVID-19 packages in case these health workers will be infected with the virus.
More PPEs are also being deployed to protect our front liners along with free
transportation.
Courage, dedication, and passion coalesce the essence of a superhero. While we

continue to fantasize about these fictional characters, may we be reminded of our real
modern-day heroes - our frontliners. (poc/PIA7)

Behind The Masks of Bravery - Stories of Frontliners

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Behind The Masks of Bravery - Stories of Frontliners

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Behind The Masks of Bravery - Stories of Frontliners

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Behin d the m asks o f b ravery: Sto ries o f fron tl iners

“My inspiration as of the moment is having the big responsibility to be called a

Courage, dedication, and passion coalesce the essence of a superhero. While we

You might also like