DSWD NCR Regional Director Vicente Gregorio B. Tomas led the 1st flag raising ceremony after the declaration of Community Quarantine due to the threats of COVID-19 held at the Field Office grounds and participated in by selected employees of DSWD NCR on June 08, 2020.
The flag raising ceremony started off with the Opening prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Inspirational Message from the DSWD NCR Regional Director.
The raising of the Philippine Flag dramatically depicts that the Field Office NCR is gradually rising from the unfortunate situation brought about by the Corona Virus.
The activity is also conducted to educate and prepare the staff on the upcoming celebration of the Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2020. Amid the threat of COVID-19 to the health and safety of the staff, RD Tomas managed to calm and ease their minds through giving his words of wisdom and assuring the staff that the Medical experts assigned in the Field office are willing to provide assistance and guidance to everyone who needs guidance and support.
“Ngayon ay mayroon tayong pagsubok na pinagdadaanan. Sabi nga ng marami, mas mahirap ito kaysa sa giyera dahil sa giyera, kita natin ang kalaban at maaaring alam natin kung kailan aatake at kailan sasabog ang bomba. Ngunit itong kalaban natin invisible pero kung magsasama-sama tayo ay naniniwala ako na matatalo siya. Ang una nating isipin ay ang ating pananampalataya sa Poong Maykapal. Atin ding patuloy na panwagan ang pagsunod sa minimum health protocols at lalo’t higit ang pag-inom ng vitamins sa araw-araw, Narito rin ang ating mga Medical experts to give us advice on what to do and what not to do.” RD stated.
The importance of celebrating the Philippine Independence Day was also relayed by RD Tomas. He said that the pandemic should not be a hindrance for the Filipinos to show nationalism and respect to the ancestors who unselfishly gave lives for the freedom of the country. “Gusto kong mag-focus doon sa araw ng Kalayaan. Marami na ang nagbuwis ng buhay sa ating mga ninuno upang ipagtanggol ang ating bayan at ang ating kasarinlan. Ngayon naman tayo ay nagsasama sama at bilang isang nagkakaisang Nasyon upang labanan si Covid-19. Gawin natin ang ating bahagi sa laban na ito. Ingatan natin ang ating mga sarili at huwag nating hayaang mapunta sa wala ang effort ng mga medical frontliners at maging dito sa atin o ang tinatawag na Angels in Red Vest,” RD expressed.
To formally close the ceremony RD Tomas gave his words of encouragement and support to the employees especially in this most needed times. He also managed to give advices on how we Filipinos can show and give respect in the celebration of Independence Day through proper singing of the Philippines National Anthem, Respecting the Philippines Flag, and placing of the Philippines Flag on the office doors and even on each respective home.
Physical distancing and wearing of face masks are practiced during the entire activity. ###