Singapore Tourism Board Salutes Filipino Heroes Contributing to Singapore’s COVID-19 Response

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a video titled, “We Salute You”, to pay tribute to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been working courageously alongside Singaporeans, to help keep Singapore running during COVID-19.

Recognizing the difficulty that OFWs feel while separated from their families, the video features five Filipino unsung heroes who have been contributing to Singapore’s COVID-19 response, and heartfelt messages from their families back home, sending them strength and words of encouragement.

“We appreciate the fortitude and dedication that our Filipino friends in Singapore have shown during these trying times. STB wanted to express our thanks by providing something most valuable to our Filipino friends – hearing words of motivation and encouragement from their loved ones. Through this video, we salute you, and look forward to the day we can emerge safely from this together,” said John Conceicao, Singapore Tourism Board Executive Director for Southeast Asia.

At once moving and uplifting, “We Salute You” reminds us that no matter where they are in the world, OFWs continue to be a source of pride and inspiration for those back home in the Philippines. Thus, the Singapore Tourism Board acknowledges and honors their efforts with the following message in the video, “Saludo kami sa galing niyo [We salute you for your expertise and dedication].”

Watch STB’s We Salute You video on their official Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/VisitSingaporePH/posts/3137176569682597.

These are the OFWs featured in “We Salute You”:

With many flights cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joshua Suarez, a cabin crew at Scoot, has been redeployed to work at the community centre, where he helps with mask distribution and financial aid applications for the residents.
Carlito Cinco has been working in Singapore for over a decade now. Presently assigned as butler at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, he warmly welcomes returning Singaporeans back home, assisting them on a seamless check-in process, and ensuring that they have a comfortable stay even during these unusual times.
Joan Valerio, Reservations Executive at the PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, assists in providing accommodations to stranded foreigners in Singapore. As an OFW, she has had to momentarily leave her two kids behind – both of whom are understanding and proud of all her sacrifices.
Cirilo Lemoneras, e-commerce executive at Viharbour, handles product marketing online. He continuously renders his work to enable people to purchase good online, a safer alternative to going out during these times.
KC Oyco, who works as a pharmacy technician at the Changi General Hospital remains fully dedicated towards providing the prescribed medicines needed by patients, knowing that these bring not only better health but can also save lives.

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