PH Embassy in London Honors Filipino Frontliners during 2020 Migrant Workers Day Celebration

LONDON 17 June 2020 — The Philippine Embassy in London, through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA), led the Filipino community in the U.K. and Ireland in a virtual commemoration of the Migrant Workers Day on 07 June 2020.  Close to a hundred overseas Filipinos representing more than a dozen Filipino community organizations took part in the celebration.

This year’s celebration was held in honor of the contributions of overseas Filipino workers who work at the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.  While the majority of whom are medical professionals, a significant number included other professions deemed essential as the U.K. and Ireland grappled with the outbreak of the pandemic.

“In these difficult times we find ourselves in, as the UK, Ireland and the rest of the world face the huge challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Filipino worker shines,” said Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdon Antonio M. Lagdameo. “Your contribution to your local communities and to these two countries in general remains a source of pride for us at the Embassy,” he added.

The Ambassador also underscored the Embassy’s commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of and to provide support and assistance to distressed Filipinos in the U.K. and Ireland.

“It deeply saddens all of us that many of our kababayan particularly those in the health sector and those engaged in essential services are among those greatly affected and many have lost their lives. Despite this and the danger that our frontliners face everyday as they perform their jobs, they have not faltered and opted to continuously do what they do best, and that is to be of service to others, help save lives and deliver key services,” said Philippine Labor Attaché Amuerfina Reyes.  “Sabi nga, iba ang kalinga at malasakit ng Manggagawang Filipino na ngayon ay damang-dama ng buong mundo (As they say, the distinct Filipino brand of care and compassion is deeply felt by the world especially in these times),” she added.

Representatives from the Filipino community, particularly among healthcare workers shared their experiences of working at the front lines since the pandemic broke out. 

“It is very fitting and proper as well to pay tribute to our colleagues who have given the ultimate sacrifice and have lost their lives fighting this pandemic (COVID-19), while at the same time doing the job they love the most,” reflected Edmund Tabay, Deputy Chief Nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn NHS Hospital Trust.  Mr. Tabay was one of those who delivered a testimony of experiences on behalf of the Filipino health care workers. “I am very proud to be a nurse.  I am very proud of my profession because it is making a massive impact in delivering care,” he said.

Mr. Tabay is one of close to 20,000 Filipino staff at the NHS. During his testimony, Mr. Tabay also recounted the challenges encountered by his colleagues as they continue to provide care and support for those who have been infected by the disease.

At the height of the pandemic in April, the Embassy raised the concerns of Filipino healthcare workers to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.  As of 11 June 2020, more than 50 Filipinos in the UK and Ireland have lost their lives to COVID-19. END

For more information, visit https://www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph  or https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUK or https://twitter.com/philippinesinuk