MANILA, Philippines 鈥� COVID-19 policy chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. paid tribute to pandemic frontliners as the country celebrates Christmas Day.
鈥淎s we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, let us not forget to express our deepest gratitude to our frontline workers, healthcare providers, doctors, nurses, soldiers, and essential workers from different industries,鈥� Galvez said聽in a statement.
鈥淵ou have faced enormous risks and worked beyond the call of duty to ensure the health and safety of our people during these difficult times. You are all heroes in the truest sense of the word,鈥� he added.
The former military general noted that the year has been 鈥渇ull of challenges鈥� but we carried on due to Filipinos鈥� 鈥渋ndomitable Bayanihan spirit.聽鈥�
鈥淚t is this whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach that is now enabling us to more effectively deal with the pandemic, while allowing us to slowly but surely open up our nation鈥檚 economy,鈥� he said.
Filipinos are celebrating Christmas this year with the聽lingering聽threat of the coronavirus disease, which has already sickened over 465,000 people nationwide.
Galvez reminded the public to observe the minimum health standards against COVID-19 such as the wearing of face shields and face masks, frequent handwashing, and observing physical distancing.
鈥淟et us not be complacent and put our guard down,鈥� he said.
He went on: 鈥淲ith the guidance and grace of our Almighty and each and every Filipino working together, we will be able to overcome this crisis, and build back a better and stronger Philippines.鈥�