Araw ng Dabaw after COVID

Cloud of fear, gloom and despair covered the world from, January 2020 to the middle of 2022 because of COVID. The Southern Philippines Medical Center is the biggest and best equipped government hospital with the most number of beds in Southern Mindanao.

When Rodrigo Duterte assumed President in 2016, SPMC director, Dr. Leopoldo Vega wisely availed of all national and international help from the latest medical equipment to training programs. When COVID hit, our nation in 2020, the SPMC was one of the better-prepared hospitals. President Duterte brought Dr. Vega to Manila to head the Department of Health’s program to fight COVID.

The DOH made SPMC the only government hospital to accept and treat all COVID Patients in Southern Mindanao. We have 146 cities. Among the cities with populations of one million five hundred thousand to almost two million, Davao City had the least number of COVID patients/deaths. This was not because of luck. The zeal dedication and efforts of Pres. Rodrigo, Mayor Sara, government workers, the whole hearted support of the church and the Dabawenyos made it possible.

This is the first Araw ng Dabaw Celebration in three years. The faithful took to heart the last 2 lines of the “Litany of Gratitude after COVID” which reads: “As you wept at the death of Lazarus, breathe the breath of life everlasting on all who died from the Corona Virus. You have turned our tears into joy and for this we thank and praise to you.” Be glory now and forever. Salamat Ginoo sa imong kaayo ug imong kaluoy kanamong mga Dabawenyo. Happy Araw ng Dabaw!