Argosy S. Nazareno
Frontliners: Modern Day Heroes
It is enough to say that in upholding social justice, it is the duty and responsibility of the government to protect and secure the rights of workers and to stop any unjust practices that undermine their welfare because their years of staunch work are taken for granted.
In any fight, even the best can be cut down. Our brave frontliners are holding the line. Sadly, Bohol’s COVID cases are piling up as people grow impatient and undisciplined. Thankfully our modern heroes continue to risk their lives for the sake of humanity. However, we should not think of frontliners as purely medical practitioners. All personnel whether a traffic aide, barangay tanod, garbage collector, volunteer, etc., who risk their lives to protect the citizenry are considered frontliners.
They should receive our all-out support as they are facing an unprecedented workload in overstretched health facilities. They are working in stressful and terrifying work environments, not just because there is no vaccine yet, but because the reinforcements do not arrive and supplies are lacking. With this, the timely release of their benefits should provide the needed aid for their sacrifices. These are the kind of people that should be well compensated and supported.
Like soldiers, frontliners also face considerable mental stress. Whenever possible, we should also ensure that they have access to counseling services so they can recover and refresh themselves before they drown in despair. Their heroism and selflessness are the sun rays that penetrate the gloomy rainclouds of the pandemic.
Discipline is expensive in our culture that is why a tough leader orders strict measures maintaining order is crucial in this difficult time. Like any other war, the citizens have a crucial role in the fight. A simple stay-at-home order should be followed and minimum health standards should be observed. Because being complacent and hard-headed produce grave and lasting consequences.
All-out support should be given not just by the government but the whole citizenry as well through the numerous private individuals and groups who continue pouring their undying love for our heroes. If we accept that we are all frontliners in this war, we can finally overrun the enemy. The real horror in this war is you don’t need to be in the frontline before you become a casualty. So we should all stay safe, follow the minimum health standards even when fully vaccinated, and seek guidance from the Almighty.
In celebration of the National Heroes Day, let us remember the heroes who fought for us as well as the modern day heroes that are still fighting for the sake of our future.