NaFFAA Northeast, AARP Among Collaborators Honoring Frontliners

By: Christopher M. Rivera

July 10, 2020

Phoenixville, PA

On June 30, 2020, partner organizations from the Tri-State area paid tribute to Filipino healthcare workers from the Northeast United States in the first virtual celebration of its kind. Hosted by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Northeast Region in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General In New York, the AARP Pennsylvania-sponsored event “Everyday Heroes Recognition Ceremony” presented eleven honorees representing the thousands of fellow frontliners currently battling the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Brad Baldia, President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, as well as the National Executive Director of the Federation of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce, served as Master of Ceremonies for the first-ever event of its kind.

Thanks to partnerships with the Philippine Medical Society of Greater Philadelphia, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, and AsiaAmericana digital magazine, the honorees provided a glimpse into the lives of the many individuals at the forefront of the pandemic. Aida Navidad Rivera, M.D., the visionary behind the virtual celebration remarked, “I wanted to do something that would shine the limelight on all these people working so very hard, many working hours and tasks way beyond their normal routine. As a semi-retired medical professional, I have a good sense of the work being done behind-the-scenes, and I certainly don’t envy them, but I most certainly respect and am in awe of them.” In her remarks, Rivera promised that the series of events kicked off by the June 30 recognition ceremony would be “just the beginning” intending to reach out and feature the stories of additional frontliners.

Representing the AARP Pennsylvania office as their Associate State Director, Grace Calvelo Rustia, widely known for her television and radio work, such as “Grace At 50” on The Filipino Channel, shared her experiences as a mother of two daughters who are both in healthcare. Of those on the frontline, Rustia made note of the year-round nature of healthcare, and the “around-the-clock” shifts that many are enduring to fight the pandemic.

Chris Rivera, Chair of NaFFAA Northeast Region who happens to be Dr. Rivera’s son, commented “When the offer presented itself with the opportunity to shine the limelight on those who often shy away from it because they are too busy doing their everyday jobs, it only made sense. It hits me at my core when I think about those that selflessly, without hesitation, come face-to-face with COVID-19. No amount of thanks will ever be enough. This is our way of saying thank you.”

Continuing on, Rivera put this event into context, “Although this first part of our continuing series of virtual events rightfully focuses only on the medical frontliners, there are thousands upon thousands of essential workers out there that have tried their best to help the rest of us hold on tight to ‘normal.’”

Among the dozens who joined the virtual celebration were the Consul General of Philippine Consulate General in New York, Ambassador Claro S. Cristobal, Mayor Peter Urscheler of Phoenixville, PA, Philadelphia City Councilman David Oh, and Jersey City Councilman Rolando Lavarro, all of whom delivered their own accolades, as well as some personal stories.

In his remarks, Ambassador Cristobal said, “Something simply does not change, and it is the fact that heroes are still very much alive and these heroes do their heroic acts everyday.” Referring to the tragic fatalities among healthcare professionals, “…they died while doing what they do everyday, which is to try to save lives. They gave so much.”

Mayor Urscheler shared some insight into what the event meant to him. Urscheler’s mother was an immigrant nurse whose work here in the U.S. made her “a pioneer in team concept nursing,” a collaborative effort among several healthcare workers in acute or inpatient care. His discovery of his mother’s research at the Library of Congress further deepened his connection with his mother, her work, and its “reflection of the Filipino people.”

Citations were presented on behalf of Delaware Governor John Carney, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, and the Philadelphia City Council. Representing all the honorees, Gilda Abrenica delivered remarks of appreciation.

Although unable to attend due to prior commitments, Dr. Boy Abunda, known as “The King of Talk,” sent a prerecorded message to Filipino frontliners. “I see you, I hear you, I know you, I understand you, I appreciate you, I honor you, I thank you,” sharing his sentiments “on behalf of the world that cares.” Abunda, in an impassioned delivery, made a promise: “I promise I will wear my mask… it is my way of showing you my respect…my little contribution to these very difficult times. Thank you.”

The “Everyday Heroes Recognition Ceremony” is the first in a series of virtual celebrations of the work of the “frontliner.” Tentatively scheduled for July 28 will be the second part of the series. Further details will follow.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w6j99QoJrvOAPBT1I7hfUF0ib1JZhsLp/view