CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The provincial government raised the flag at half-mast at the Capitol grounds in tribute to Dr. Marcelo “Mar” Jaochico, who died battling coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, who led the said ceremony, said Jaochico passed away on Tuesday (March 24) evening, at 6:37 p.m.
“Hanggang sa kahuli-hulihan, kapakanan pa rin ng kanyang mga kababayan ang kanyang inuna,” the governor said.
Jaochico, head of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), was one of the province’s frontliners curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.
He had spent most of his time serving not only his fellow Cabalens in Pampanga, but also other people in areas where he had been assigned as a medical professional.
Before he assumed as head of the PHO, Jaochico had treated patients in the midst of various epidemics, such as dengue and malaria, in several villages in the country.
“Maraming salamat, Doc Mar. Makakaasa ka na aming ipagpapatuloy ang laban na iyong nasimulan alang-alang sa lahat ng Cabalen na nangangailangan ng tulong-medikal,” Governor Delta stated.
Flags flown to half-mast symbolize respect, mourning, and salute to any national figures who laid to rest.