The Frontline Superheroes

Today, in Rick Olivares’ Intro to Journalism class, we met a superhero.

He was not wearing a cape, but he was still wearing his superhero mask, except it was a surgical mask and his cape, standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

This real-life Superman was obviously exhausted from a day working hard saving lives and yet he found the time to recount his story to a class of novice journalism students.

Like most champions of the Marvel or DC universes, he dons his uniform before turning into a hero, and takes it off when protecting us is done; unlike them, he then thoroughly disinfects himself before seeing his family. What is even more amazing is he is married to another superhero. Yet this is no comic, this is real life.

Today we interviewed Jojo Katalbas, a 40-year old comorbidity nurse who works at Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, a Covid-19 hospital at the heart of a nation suffering from the pandemic.

We shed tears listening to his acts of bravery, and hearing of those who died. We also asked him what the world needed to hear, he replied telling us three things; follow the advice about Covid-19 protection, take symptoms seriously and if you need hospital treatment let hospital staff know immediately if you have Covid-19 symptoms.

He has seen 60 of his fellow healthcare workers infected by this dreaded disease that two weeks ago claimed the life of a 27-year-old contractual employee. It took five days from the first time he exhibited symptoms before his life ebbed away. To compound the tragedy, he was not even eligible for the government assistance, or medical benefits, provided to others who died, because he had only just started working there.

He, like healthcare workers worldwide, signed to serve and heal the sick. They know of the risks and dangers, except Covid-19 amplifies the danger levels to a much higher degree. and yet, everyday they put on their uniforms and set out to work.

Others seeing them on the streets often shy away out of fear. He takes that as a sign that people are finally getting the message to take this seriously. That they need to follow national guidelines, wear masks, and take common-sense precautions.

These superheroes live amongst us, let us follow their advice, it may just save our lives.


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