Doctor who died due to COVID-19 named among Outstanding Filipino Physicians of 2020

Dr. Romeo Gregorio Macasaet, who passed away after contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been named among the Outstanding Filipino Physicians of 2020.

According to Cedric Castillo’s report on “24 Oras” Wednesday, Dr. Greg was named one of the Outstanding Filipino Physicians of 2020 by the Philippine Medical Association. Last month, Manila Doctors Hospital also honored him for his efforts during the pandemic.

According to PMA, as experts knew more about the disease, the number of frontliners who lost their lives to it began to decrease as well.

“They really are heroes,” said Dr. Hector Santos. “Biruin mo pumasok ka ng araw-araw, 12 hours ka, naka-enclose face mo doon ... you’re sweating inside. ’Yung iba naka-diaper na.”

Dr. Greg was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March. Soon, his wife Dr. Evalyn Macasaet was brought to the isolation room after contracting the virus as well.

Although Evalyn recovered, she now had to bear the grief of losing her husband, and stay strong for their only child, Raymond, who had autism.

“Ibang-iba. Every day before, sabay kami ni Greg going to the hospital. At 6 o’clock in the morning, we’re already there,” Evalyn said.

“This time, now I’m alone. I’m so unhappy. Sanay-sanay na rin ako but after the patients, cases finished, I’m sad again. I can’t help but cry,” she added.

“I explained to him [Raymond] na Papa is not coming na. He doesn’t cry but I think he understands little by little.”

The friends and relatives of Dr. Greg also revealed before he passed away, he asked them to take care of his wife and son for him.

“Hindi siya natakot,” said Dr. Roehl Salavador, one of his friends. “Nandyan na, so the next best thing is to face it with dignity and strength.” – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News