Resolution Recognizing and Commending the Immeasurable Contribution and Sacrifices of Filipino Physicians in the Fight against the Corona Virus Disease and to Celebrate Their Dedication in Service This National Physicians' Day, 27 September 2021

September 27, 2021

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 125

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE IMMEASURABLE CONTRIBUTION AND SACRIFICES OF FILIPINO PHYSICIANS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE CORONA VIRUS DISEASE AND TO CELEBRATE THEIR DEDICATION IN SERVICE THIS NATIONAL PHYSICIANS' DAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2021

WHEREAS, the Philippines, along with other nations of the world, continue to battle the Corona Virus disease 19 (COVID-19) that has infected 221 countries and territories, claiming over 4.7 million lives since the spread of the virus in December 2019, according to statistics of the World Health Organization as of 24 September 2021. In the Philippines alone, the number of infected has reached 2.4 million as of writing. Of this figure, 25,336 health care workers have contracted the disease and 105 have lost their lives while performing their sworn duty;

WHEREAS, the pandemic has only underscored the importance of our physicians, as they have constantly played a valuable role — from the onset of the pandemic when they bravely attended to the sick with very limited information on COVID-19 until today, when the country is rolling out a national vaccination program and they are key players in monitoring and administering the vaccines;

WHEREAS, in celebration of the 43rd National Physicians' Day on September 27, it is right and fitting that the Senate recognizes their massive contribution towards helping the government and the Filipino people throughout this unprecedented pandemic. Despite the overwhelming responsibilities and risks they face each day, our hardworking physicians still manage to continue their invaluable service for the country;

WHEREAS, our physicians do not only suffer physical fatigue due to long work-hours wearing enclosed suits or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that are often restrictive or uncomfortable, but also emotional stress for not seeing their families and loved ones for long periods of time. They also endure immense psychological anxiety from seeing the demise of patients every now and then;

WHEREAS, in the current pandemic, our physicians are the most vulnerable ones as being the frontliners for almost two years already. Physicians make the ultimate sacrifice in this COVID-19 pandemic for both curing the disease and accepting risks each and every day;

WHEREAS, our Filipino physicians and other health workers, who deserve to be called "modern heroes," should be given the appropriate praises and recognition for offering their lives and providing succor to our kababayans who are in dire need of medical help: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Philippine Senate, as it is hereby resolved, To acknowledge and honor the insurmountable aid given tirelessly by our Filipino physicians and just in time for the celebration of the Physicians' Day.

Adopted,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO IIIPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on September 27, 2021.

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICASecretary of the Senate