HEALTH WORKERS DESERVE A SPECIAL TRIBUTE - ANGARA

To give due recognition to the important role and contributions of Filipino health workers, Senator Edgardo J. Angara earnestly pushes for the swift passage of an Act declaring May 7 of each year as 'Health Workers Day'.

"Health workers continue to be the "unsung heroes" of our everyday life. And for the longest time, they have not been given their due share of recognition," he stressed.

The bill, authored by Angara , re-establishes May 7 of each year as a special working holiday.

The date was previously marked in 1987 through Proclamation No. 96, issued by former Pres. Corazon Aquino, but Angara pointed out that until now, however, it has never gained its rightful place for proper commemoration.

"This measure seeks to promote the rights and welfare and enhance the sense of worth and dignity of doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, technicians, nutritionists, aides, therapists, and all other medical and allied professionals who work in our hospitals, clinics, barangay health centers, and health care units in rural and urban areas."

Angara is hoping that the annual public observance of "Health Workers' Day" will draw awareness to the plight of the country's health sector and underscore the government's responsibility to allot sufficient budget priority to health as well as to improve the living and working conditions of our health workers who have chosen a profession of service to others.