Silent Heroes: Non-medical Frontliners on War Against COVID-19

Everyone praises the medical workers in this time of pandemic but what about the other heroes behind the spotlight?

According to the Department of Health, more than 80 healthcare workers have already lost their lives due to COVID-19 as of July 2021. And, in every day that passed, this number increased continuously. This is alarming and poses a threat to the future of the medical sector in the country. Hence, we have to heed to their needs and recognize their sacrifices and efforts that have already been beyond the call of their duty.

However, behind this spotlight are other heroes who also deserve the same amount of appreciation. They neither have stethoscopes around their necks nor wear scrub suits or lab coats that are often featured in the mainstream media. More often than not, they are just around the corner, unnoticed.

Wearing their sweaty shirts, some heroes have handkerchiefs wrapped around their necks like a cape, holding mops and brooms as their weapons. Janitors constantly disinfect and deep clean public areas, making sure that people are safe and have a hygienic environment. Meanwhile, some are also out there, tirelessly collecting garbage that establishments release each day just to keep everyone safe from the hazards brought about by those waste materials.

Having contact with items or substances that are possible sources of infection on a daily basis is of a different level of service. These frontliners, the janitors and garbage collectors, are no less than the medical workers in terms of risking their lives and dedication to their duties.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto once stated that these workers face similar health risks as medical frontliners amidst the pandemic. “In the war against COVID-19, they report to their battle stations every day with the smallest of compensations,” he said. Apparently, non-medical frontliners are rarely given rewards for their sacrifices.

It is important to also extend our recognition and gratitude to other essential workers such as the sanitary staff, delivery workers, barangay officers, restaurant staff, and guards, among others.

They are heroes too and do not deserve to be neglected nor be less compensated. Salute to all those who risk their lives to protect the people in these trying times. Let us give our utmost respect and appreciation to these public servants who deserve an equal opportunity in the spotlight.

Written by Shekeinah Guilla

Photo by Angellie Eunice Baluyut

#JuanHealthPH #JHPH