Hospital frontliners brought to tears by cheers, applause from condo residents

Frontliners were brought to tears when residents of a nearby condo showered them with applause for their efforts in battling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In Emil Sumangil's report for "24 Oras," Adventist Medical Center Manila's hospital staff were greeted with cheers, banners, and claps from the people living in La Verti Residences in Pasay City.

The supervisor of the hospital's emergency room, who has been a nurse for 35 years, said it is the first time she has felt such appreciation for her work.

"Nakakaiyak na tuwang tuwa sa iyak, na hindi pala sila nagpabaya. Alam pala nila 'yung ginagawa namin dito sa kabila," she said, her voice cracking with emotion.

"Kasi pag may ganyan positive gesture para sa kababayan, sa kapwa, parang nagbibigay 'yan ng lakas," she said. "Hindi ka pala nag-iisa eh. Marami palang nasa likod n'yo at nagpe-pray sa inyo. Di ba? Importante 'yun."

In response, doctors, nurses, guards, janitors, and other staff clapped three times and waved their hands to express their gratitude.

"For a doctor na talagang naghihirap, nagpapagod sa pag-aalaga ng mga pasyente, 'yung simple gesture na 'yun sobrang uplifting siya, sobrang nakapagbigay ng encouragement lalong lalo na dun sa mga frontliners namin sa ospital," said another medical staff.

The hospital thanked the residents for contributing in the fight against the virus by staying home.

"Sila rin po ay mga bayani sapagkat pinili nilang manatili sa kanilang mga tahanan at maging bahagi ng solusyon." 

"24 Oras" anchor Jessica Soho also initiated an applause in the studio to end the program with a salute to the frontliners. --MGP, GMA News