A nation’s grateful send-off to the new Philippine heroes
DR. RAUL JARA
Dr. Raul Diaz Jara was an esteemed cardiologist and internist who served as president of the Philippine Heart Association. He passed away on March 24, a hero at the frontline of the nation’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
“His memory is not defined by how he died but how he lived. He dedicated his whole life to constant learning and teaching and molding future doctors. He would ask the tough questions to push you to learn and persevere. He believed in his students and would think of them as children and the hope of the future generations.” (From the Philippine Heart Association Facebook page).
DR. ISRAEL BACTOL
A Philippine Heart Association cardiologist, Dr. Israel Bactol is the youngest medical doctor who perished a hero amid the nation’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Friends and colleagues described Bactol as a “young, brilliant and promising cardiologist who died while fulfilling his duties as a doctor.”
DR. ROSE PULIDO
A medical oncologist from San Juan de Dios Hospital, Dr. Rose Pulido took up Biology for pre-med at the University of Santo Tomas and graduated in 1993. She then studied Medicine, specializing in the study and treatment of tumors, at the De La Salle University in 1997. She passed away on March 21, a hero at the frontline of the nation’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Friends and former patients described Pulido as “compassionate and warm” in touching tributes on social media.
Dr. Greg Macasaet 3rd
Romeo Gregorio Macasaet 3rd, was an anesthesiologist from Manila Doctors Hospital. He passed away on March 22, a hero at the frontline of the nation’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
In paying tribute to Macasaet, Manila Doctors Hospital said, “We honor a brave man, one of the best anesthesiologists in the country. He had impacted the lives of his patients at Manila Doctors and his fellow doctors and the nurses who worked beside him.”
DR. MARCELO JAOCHICO
Pampanga’s provincial health officer, Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, had long been serving the country as a devoted doctor to the barrios. He passed away on March 24, a hero at the frontline of the nation’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic
In a heartfelt Facebook post, his daughter Cielo wrote, “When you speak of him, please speak only of good words. Please do not remember him as someone who just died because of Covid-19. Sobrang dami niyang ginawa para sa bayan. Please pray for his soul.” She also proudly remembered him as the very first recipient of the Most Outstanding Doctor to the Barrios. (From Facebook.Com/CieloJoachico)
Dr. Sally Gatchalian
Dr. Salvacion “Sally” Gatchalian was a leading pediatrician in the Philippines. She was president of the Philippine Pediatric Society, a fellow of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Gatchalian, and served as assistant director at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. She passed away on March 27, a hero at the frontline of the nation’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Her sister, “Eat Bulaga” TV host Ruby Rodriguez, posted a loving tribute for Gatchalian on her Instagram account, “I love you so much my big sister. Smile, say hi to mom, dad and manong Robert. Be at peace, do not worry about us anymore. Have fun in heaven! Love you so much!”
Dr. Henry Fernandez
The Pangasinan Medical Society only has fond memories and profound admiration for their member Dr. Henry Fernandez. He passed away a hero at the frontline of the nation’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
In paying tribute to the town’s pride, Bayambang Mayor of Pangasinan Cezar Quiambao said, “Dr. Henry Fernandez lived a life dedicated to public service with his role as the ‘doktor ng bayan’ and advisor to the town’s leaders. He has helped each and every Bayambangueño in one way or another through his words and through his actions.”