TAGUM CITY, Davao de Oro — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday paid tribute to medical doctors, health care professionals, and frontliners who worked hard during the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I thank you for this opportunity to stand before all of you to thank you for your hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Daghan kaayong salamat on behalf of all the patients and the families that you have helped through COVID-19,” Duterte said during the Davao Regional Medical Center and Resident Physician Association Commencement Ceremony at the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center here.

“And along with our doctors and other medical professionals were local government unit chief executives — like me — on the frontlines, delivering health and basic services to the people, ensuring that they become our partners in curbing the spread of the virus, and keeping people in our communities well informed as we had to contend with fear, confusion, panic, and the misery of losing loved ones due to Covid,” she added.

Duterte also congratulated the graduating resident physicians of the Davao Regional Medical Center, saying that they make a “valuable addition to the profession of medicine.”

“This milestone is a testament to your unwavering commitment to providing quality and reliable healthcare while remaining true to the call of service amid the present challenges faced by the health sector,” Duterte said.

She said the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education have launched programs to combat malnutrition among schoolchildren.

She also acknowledged that there is still an ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, and hopes to see collaborations with them on matters concerning public health and welfare in the future.

“As we begin a new chapter of public service in the year ahead, I trust that you will continue to join us in ensuring wider access to affordable and quality care for your patients and creating more opportunities for medical advancement in Mindanao,” Duterte said.

The Vice President said the government will always support the collective mission of uplifting the country’s healthcare through improved medical training, responsive services, and quality research.

“I urge you to proactively work with us as we overcome the challenges in our healthcare in the post-pandemic transition, build stronger Filipino communities and families in Davao de Oro, and march on toward the realization of our hope of a healthier and more empowered nation,” Duterte said.

“Tanan – para sa Diyos, nasud, ug para sa pamilyang Pilipino,” she added. OVP MEDIA