As the world commemorates the International Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28, the national labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) pays tribute to all workers of different countries, who died in the service of the people as they battle in the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Philippines, 26 healthworkers—20 doctors and six nurses—have died due to complications brought about by COVID-19. The number of health workers infected with the dreaded virus has soared to over 1,100. These numbers indicate the weakness of the country’s healthcare system. The national government lacks a sense of urgency in confronting the pandemic. Personal protective equipment distributed for health workers is still few. The number of testing per day is still low. Many health workers themselves cannot access testing. The approval of laboratory facilities is slow. The number of patients was already difficult for both public and private hospitals even before the pandemic, now they have a heavier workload.

In honoring the memory of workers who have died in the line of duty, we call on the national government to protect the health and safety of our frontline workers. We hold the government accountable for the neglect and inefficiency that put the lives of our frontline workers in danger.

We enjoin everyone in the households to remember each and every worker who has sacrificed in the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19 by fighting for the living.

#ProtectOurFrontlineWorkers

#PublicHealthNotProfit

#IWMD20

See photos, and watch video message of KMU chairperson and workers’ noise barrage::

https://www.facebook.com/KMUinternational/

Various artist groups, health advocates, health workers and trade unions pay tribute to frontline workers with performances and solidarity messages. Watch tribute online concert:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1131717460496131