YouTuber Apet Cruz posted a video of him reciting a poem dedicated to his fellow workers in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic – and the poem has gone viral after being embraced by workers and their families.
The Nueva Ecija local government worker’s ‘Sulat Ng Isang Frontliner (Letter from a Frontliner)” was uploaded to the YouTube channel ApetTV on March 25, 2020, and on Facebook on March 27 and instantly went viral around social media.
Apet Cruz wrote in the description of the YouTube video:
“Isang pagpupugay sa lahat ng mga frontliners na nakikibaka para maging ligtas ang sambayanang Pilipino sa banta ng Covid-19. Mula po sa puso naming lahat, maraming maraming salamat!”
(To honor all frontliners in the fight to keep the Filipino nation safe from the threat of Covid-19. From our hearts, thank you very much!)
“Para sa lahat ng sakripisyo ng mga Frontliners sa ating Bansa, kulang ang salitang SALAMAT (For all the sacrifices made by Frontliners in our country, the words THANK YOU are not enough),” Cruz posted on Facebook.
Netizens and frontliners commented on the video to share how they can relate to the message of the poem.
“Kung alam nyo lang kung gaano nakakatakot ang ginagawa namin ngayun. Pero sige lang, mapaglingkuran lang ang bansa at ang taong bayan, makita ko lang na safe ang pamilya ko. Nilulunok ko nalang ang takot at sabay dasal sa may kapal na sana, protectahan kami ng mga kasama ko sa laban na ito, at bigyan kami ng lakas para manalo. Gumagaan na ang loob ko,” Nurse Chris commented.
“make me cry 🙁 i can relate a lot because my wife and my sister are both front liner too. isama pa ang kapatid kong consihal, tapos pasaway pa yung mga iba 🙁 kung alam nyo lang hirap nila at ng familya na kagaya namin. keep safe everyone,” Mark Grace DIY shared.
Severa Wedde reminded everyone to have faith, “Pray the Rosary everyday is the only cure for this Virus! Have FAITH unto the THE ALMIGHTY HE IS IN CONTROL!”
“Felt his thought, sentiments, etc….Take courage, dear Frontliners, you’re definitely blessed & protected! God is always with u & ur loved ones, too! Your sacrifices is greatly & highly appreciated! Be strong & be of good courage for God loves u all! Thanks a lot…” Barecks Dela Torre commented.
Apet Cruz was a virtual guest on ABS-CBN’s morning show, Magandang Buhay, where he shared his inspiration for his viral poem.
He was asked by host Karla Estrada on why he wrote the poem that has touched the hearts of frontliners and netizens.
“Iyong krisis po kasi na pinagdadaanan natin ngayon sa buong mundo eh first time nangyari. Talagang sa pagkakataong ito, pinahinto ang lahat ng pagkakataon.
“May pera ka man o wala, wala naman siyang value ngayon kasi kahit marami kang pera wala naman silang mabilhan kasi sarado ang mga tindahan. Kahit maganda ang sasakyan mo wala ka namang mapupuntahan kasi sarado lahat, naka-lockdown.
“So, andaming realization. Pero ang gusto kong ma-realize ng maraming tao, lalo na dito sa ating bansa, mayroong bida dito na nagsasakripisyo. Habang tayo ay nasa loob ng ating bahay may mga bayaning frontliners na buong buhay nila itinataya nila para matapos lang ito labang ito at deserve nila na bigyan ng mataas na pagpupuri at pagkilala,” Apet replied.
Asked about the reaction to his poem that has since gone viral, the Apet TV YouTuber said, “Dalawa iyong hindi ko makakalimutan na message. Meron akong isang mensahe na nakuha sa mga doctor at nurses ng RITM noong unang lumabas iyong video nandoon daw sila sa lobby ng kanilang ospital at pinanood nila iyong aking video at lahat sila ay umiiyak at lalo silang nagkaroon ng dahilan para ipagpatuloy iyong kanilang ginagawa.
“Pangalawa, tumawag sa akin iyong PNP para gagamitin nila iyong aking video para maging inspirasyon sa kanilang campaign na wag lumabas na bahay kasi andaming buhay na nagsasakripisyo para sa ating lahat. So, siguro gawin natin iyong part natin napaka-simple lang naman iyong hinihingi sa atin, stay at home at hayaan natin sila na labanan ito ipagdasal natin sila. I’m sure malalagpasan natin itong lahat” Apet added.
In the show, Apet also revealed that there are already cases of COVID-19 in the province of Nueva Ecija where he works with the local government unit.
Despite this, Apet said that his compatriots still remain calm because they see the efforts of the provincial government in prioritizing the safety of the Frontliners, providing PPEs and all the needed equipment. Second is the disinfecting of many places, and last the help for the barangays who most need assistance.
Pinoy netizens and artists have been active on social media, sending their appreciation for the country’s workers in the fight against COVID-19.
#SalamatUP trended on social media after the University of the Philippines announced its development of the COVID-19 test kit.
#ArtForMedPH encouraged people to donate to frontliners in exchange for free commissioned artworks.
Indie pop band Ben&Ben also raised funds through a free Facebook Live concert to raise funds to help efforts to fight the COVID-19.
WATCH THE VIDEO of “Sulat Ng Isang Frontliner” and TELL US in the comments below your own messages for frontliners!
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