It’s not easy to find a silver lining in the middle of this pandemic outbreak. Until now, people are still having a hard time adjusting to the new normal. Many companies were greatly affected and numerous businesses came to a halt, but as the famous saying goes,”life must go on.” The private sector is slowly moving towards new ways on how to cope with the problem. Cities, provinces, and barangays are also constantly adapting to the sudden changes brought about by the coronavirus.
Frontliners have a vital role in society, particularly those in the healthcare industry. They have always been in great demand, even more so now as they are the ones charged to care for those positive and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients; they act as our shining beacon of hope that we can overcome this pandemic together.
The pledge to serve
Gregorio Miguel C. Contacto VI, commonly addressed as “Dr. Mike” was working as a general practitioner in various hospitals before the global pandemic shook the world. Everyone was caught off guard and unfortunately, those working in the medical field were one of the firsts to bravely face this battle head-on.
“Actually, no choice ako. Sinumpaan namin ‘yon eh. I just answered the call.”
(Actually, I had no choice because we made an oath. I just answered the call.)
This so-called Hippocratic oath is an ethical code that goes way back into the ancient time of Greek physician Hippocrates. Up to this day, it is still being adopted by medical schools as its principles are held sacred by doctors: treat the sick to the best of one’s ability, preserve patient privacy, teach the secrets of medicine to the next generation, and so on.
As a primary frontliner, Dr. Mike recalls the experience “scary at first” because we are up against something that cannot be seen.
“[The] hardest part is that we are the ones who come into contact with patients. We don’t know who has COVID or not.”
However, dealing with many different people on a daily basis gave him a mindset that managed to reduce his fear of contracting the virus.
“Everyone is a patient in my eyes kaya nasanay nalang din ako,” he added.
(Everyone is a patient in my eyes that’s why I eventually got used to it.)
Being a doctor is physically and mentally draining most of the time but as for Dr. Mike, it’s something that reflects his calling in this world and he fully embodies his passion for healing the sick and caring for the vulnerable.
Remaining hopeful
Surprisingly, Dr. Mike doesn’t feel pressured with his job despite having heavy responsibilities. His fervor as a medical professional rises above the difficulties that come with his role as a frontliner.
“As long as you love helping people and enjoy what you’re doing, ‘di mo naman mararamdaman yung takot, pagod, at kaba.”
(As long as you love helping people and enjoy what you’re doing, you won’t feel the fear, exhaustion, and nervousness.)
According to him, the most fulfilling thing about being part of the medical team of the International Sanitization and Protection Suppliers (ISPS) is giving people assurance that they can safely proceed with their normal lives and come home to their families. It’s his responsibility as a doctor to bring positivity to his patients despite all that is happening around us but in order to do that, he must be emotionally tough and mentally stable on the get-go.
For his own well-being, he maintains a positive outlook on life with the help of his family, friends, and the ISPS staff.
“Very supportive naman family and friends ko sa work ko and the whole ISPS staff is very friendly. Altogether, they keep my sanity amidst the pandemic.”
(My family and friends are very supportive with my line of work and the whole ISPS staff is very friendly. Altogether, they keep me sane amidst the pandemic.)
Dr. Mike believes we can stay safe by following the sanitation protocols provided by the Department of Health. Those are guidelines on cleaning and disinfection in various settings as an infection prevention and control measure against COVID-19.
"Just hold on and pray. This pandemic will be over sooner than you know it."
Having faith and ensuring proper implementation of our actions are what’s going to help us get through this crisis. The whole world wants to emerge victorious in this fight including Dr. Mike who says, “hopefully, COVID comes to an end soon.”
We are all working extremely hard to find ways on how to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading but nothing beats the bravery of our frontliners all around the globe. They put their lives on the line every single day and risk their own health just to save others.
ISPS wants to commend our very own COVID warriors for executing their jobs with utmost quality and for making us the diamond standard when it comes to health and safety.
We are the leading Philippine-based corporation providing necessary services such as Environmental Disinfection, COVID Testing, and Customized Solutions for the benefit of the Filipino community.
Contact us today or visit our Facebook for more information:
Phone: 0917 305 8961
Email: info@internationalsps.com
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