The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday celebrated the National Health Workers’ Day through a recognition ceremony entitled “One Health Workforce, One Nation: Responding to the Challenges Towards Better Normal”.

“Our health workers are the backbone of our healthcare system and arrowhead of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, technicians, janitors, barangay health workers, and even security personnel among other cadres have all rendered honest and dedicated health services to Filipinos despite the threats and risks of being exposed to the virus. We, the DOH, thank each one of our health workers for their sacrifice and service to the nation. Hindi matatawaran ang inyong pagmamahal sa inyong sinumpaang tungkulin,” said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.

The DOH likewise thanked health workers for their service not only in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic but for also continuing to address other emerging health-related concerns and provide Universal Health Care.

“We all know that the road we are continuously taking to deliver quality health service to every Juan and Juana is tough. Even before then, with or without the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have been by our side with every challenge to the health sector. Sa lahat ng mga laban natin, hindi ninyo kami iniwan. Maraming salamat po sa inyong serbisyo!” said Dr. Maria Rosario Singh Vergeire, Undersecretary of Health of the Public Health Services Team.

During the event, the DOH recognized awardees of the Gawad Bayaning Kalusugan. Dr. Rontgene Solante of the San Lazaro Hospital, Dr. Primo Valenzuela from Rizal Medical Center, Dr. Aileen Mallari of the Tondo Medical Center, and Ms. Sheherazade Ibrahim of the Cotabato Regional Medical Center were awarded for their exemplary performance in the case management of COVID-19 patients. The Gawad Bayaning Kalusugan is presented by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI); Association of Allied Health Organizations of the Nation (AAHON); and, Health Educationists, Advocates, and Leaders Philippines (HEAL Ph).

The DOH, in its commitment to ensure the wellbeing of healthcare workers, shall provide additional benefits to healthcare workers through the Republic Act No. 11712 or “The Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act”. The law was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last April 2022.