Apayao honors frontliner who died due to Covid-19

LUNA, Apayao -- Apayao leaders and people honored a frontliner who died due to the COVID-19.

“We, leaders and people of the Province of Apayao and the Municipality of Calanasan, offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the most-dedicated and committed Doctor to have ever served in our beloved hometown, Dr. Marcelo Yabut Jaochico,”   a statement from Gov. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Congressman Elias Bulut Jr., Calanasan Mayor Martin Lawat and Vice Mayor Shamir Bulut and the people of Calanasan read.

Dr.  Jaochico, provincial health officer of Pampanga who died due to COVID- 19 on March 24, was the first Doctor to the Barrio of Calanasan municipality in Apayao. 

Dr. J, as fondly called by the people of Apayao, was described as an epitome of selfless public service, who willingly and without any qualms or hesitation, took an assignment in Calansan in 1993 up 2001 despite its known remoteness and inaccessibility entailing river navigation or trek through mountainous terrains for two to three days in fair weather from Claveria, Cagayan to reach his work station that time.

He is remembered for his effective leadership and management of the Municipal Health Office over his 16 years of fruitful stay in Calanasan that led to the effective mainstreaming and implementation of local health programs that brought health services even to the most remote areas of the municipality.

The culture of dedication and commitment Dr. J fostered among the health workers not only allowed the municipality to improve health services, but also enabled Calansan to best other local government units in this field, and garner citations, awards and distinctions of excellence. 

“He embraced all these rigors and hardships of his assignment without any reservations just that he could serve the poor and less fortunate, when he could have chosen to practice his profession somewhere else taking more rewarding and closer to his family,” the statement read. 

“For all of these things, we extend our sincere and profound gratitude, Doc J, we owe you so much. COVID-19 might have ended your earthly life, but your legacies as a genuine public-servant remains forever entrenched in the deepest recesses of the hearts and minds of the people of Calanasan you selflessly served.” (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)