Congressman Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez of the Third District of Negros Occidental called on the mayors in his district to take the initiative and order the lowering of the Philippine flag in all public institutions within their jurisdiction at half-mast in honor of healthcare workers who have succumbed to COVID-19.

“Healthcare workers have risked their lives to provide adequate healthcare to COVID-19 patients and address all our continuing health needs in the face of the global pandemic. Despite the threat to their health, they continue to fulfill their duty in our war against the virus. For this, we as a nation are eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice,” Rep. Benitez said.

According to the Department of Health, as of August 9, 39 healthcare workers have died of COVID-19 nationwide out of 5,551 healthcare workers who have already tested positive of the disease. Meanwhile, 18 frontline healthcare workers tested positive of COVID-19 in Negros Occidental (excluding Bacolod City), as of August 8.

“Recognizing our shared experiences and values, we the people of Negros Occidental have always shown solidarity with our countrymen in times of crisis. We rise in the face of adversity, and we share and shine our light through this small act of honoring our fallen heroes,” Rep. Benitez added.

Rep. Benitez also called on every Filipino to translate solidarity with healthcare workers into action by observing health protocols.

“Let us observe proper hygiene, follow physical distancing protocols and avoid crowds as much as possible to deprive the virus of new hosts to multiply, decrease the threat to our loved ones with risk factors, and alleviate the pressure to our frontliners,” Rep. Benitez said.

Former congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, now adviser to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on economic affairs, has earlier called on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to declare a month-long mourning nationwide to commemorate the sacrifice of doctors, nurses and hospital personnel who have died after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. #