Pilar, Bataan – To honor the modern-day heroes at this time of pandemic, a one-hour lights show was held on Sunday at the Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor – Memorial Cross in Pilar, Bataan.
The event “Salute of Lights for Frontliners: We Light as One, We Heal as One” is in line with the initiative of the lights and sounds industry of the country to call for solidarity amid the human crisis the whole word is facing.
All the lights and sounds owners nationwide simultaneously illuminated the sky from 7pm to 8pm.
The Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ), in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), has coordinated with the OGV Lights and Sounds to hold the event in the Shrine of Valor to make it more visible to Bataeños and frontliners.
The OGV was the official supplier of the Mt. Samat FTEZ during the Ceremonial Lighting of the Cross last December.
“With the Salute of Lights, we give thanks to our present day heroes – those who are risking their lives to fight against this dreaded disease with utmost courage and valor that match our forefathers,” said Mt. Samat FTEZ Administrator Francis Theodore Initorio, as he expressed support to the campaign of the lights and sounds industry.
“As we salute them, we must ensure that their efforts and sacrifices will not be in vain by doing our part – slowing down the spread of the infection; flattening the curve,” the Administrator added.
Moreover, the event is also supported by PVAO. “Just as how our forebears fought together during the darkest moments in our history, may we also unite as a nation as we all battle the threats posed by the coronavirus 2019 pandemic today,” PVAO Administrator USec Ernesto G. Carolina said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor – Memorial Cross is also illuminated everyday to encourage the nation to pray together against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor is the enduring symbol of our veteran heroes’ resilience and heroism. Its Cross now stands as a beacon of hope that is illuminated every day – a clarion call for unity against COVID-19,” Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said in her message for the 78th Araw ng Kagitingan Commemoration.
Bataan Governor Albert Raymond Garcia, on the other hand, expressed support to the programs for the frontliners of COVID-19.
“We need to help our modern-day heroes – the doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers – who are sacrificing to help those inflicted with the virus. Rest assured that the Provincial Government is implementing the best programs to help our frontliners,” Gov. Garcia said.
“We provide enough supply of PPEs to public and private hospitals. The local government also established additional isolation centers to prevent the spread of the virus,” he stressed.
“Lastly, we also provide food, transportation, accommodation and other assistance for our healthcare workers,” the Governor added.