Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a bill that seeks to declare June as the ‘National Frontliners Month.’
Senate Bill No. 1775 or “The National Frontliners Month Act” seeks to recognize the significant contributions and heroism of frontline workers in providing essential needs, protecting the public welfare, and keeping the country safe in times of calamities, disasters, and other crises.
Among the frontline workers that the proposed month-long celebration aims to recognize are the healthcare workers, food delivery drivers, supermarket workers, restaurant cooks, security guards, local government employees, barangay officials, social and government workers, agriculture and fishery workers, and police and military personnel. Logistics and social workers, storekeepers, garbage collectors, bank employees, media practitioners, and employees in the utilities sector such as energy and water will also be recognized.
By continuously reporting for duty amid the threat of CoViD-19, these frontline workers are risking their lives, including the safety of their families, to keep the country safe and the economy moving, Gatchalian said. The lawmaker added that it is essential to sustain this recognition even if these frontliners have been repeatedly hailed as heroes amid the CoViD-19 pandemic.
Gatchalian also explained that the proposed celebration coincides with the celebration of Philippine independence, which puts the spotlight on revolutionaries and their heroic deeds to fight against foreign rule.
Under the proposed measure, the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will coordinate with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and other government agencies to conduct activities and programs promoting the values they espouse. Giving distinction to major and commendable efforts, response, and measures in local government units, including those by barangay officials and employees, will also be part of the proposed celebration.
“Bilang pagpupugay at pagpapahalaga sa kabayanihan ng ating mga frontliners, isinusulong nating kilalanin ang kanilang mga sakripisyo sa pamamagitan ng isang pormal na pagdiriwang tuwing buwan ng Hunyo, kung saan kinikilala rin natin ang mga nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay para sa ating kalayaan. Nararapat lamang na ipakita natin sa ating mga bagong bayani ang pinakamataas na pagkilala lalo na’t sila ang nangunguna sa ating laban sa pandemyang dulot ng CoViD-19,” Gatchalian said.
