Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today said that the heroism of  Mr. Jonnel Pabuayon Pinera, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Pidigan, Abra, who risked his life to care for SARS patients, brings honor and recognition to all Filipino healthworkers and to the Filipino people.

Secretary Ople made this statement upon receiving the report of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore that the Singapore government bestowed upon Mr. Pabuayon the the Medal of Valour of Singapore during that country’s 38th National Day celebrations on 09 August 2003.

Mr. Pabuayon succumbed to SARS on 30 April 2003 contracted while nursing SARS patients at the Orange Valley Nursing Home.

“The selfless actions and dedication of Jonnel Pinera exemplifies the professionalism and commitment of our healthcare workers here and overseas. I condole with the family of Jonnel Pinera.  By his actions, Jonnel has brought honor and recognition to his family, our healthworkers and all Filipinos,” the Secretary said.

Singapore’s Medal of Valour is being awarded for the first time since 1991. The last awardees were the commandos who rescued a hijacked Singapore Airlines plane that same year.

According to Ambassador Ernesto V. Llamas of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, “The Medal of Valour bestowed upon Mr. Pinera is 1 of the 4 medals posthumously awarded to fourteen (14) healthcare workers treating the SARS epidemic by the Lion City. These healthcare workers drew blood and administered throat swabs to the afflicted for testing and treatment.” The four (4) posthumous awardees were Dr. Alexander Chao, Dr. Ong Hok Su, Mr. Jonnel Pabuayon Pinera, and Ms. Hamidah Ismail.

Prime Minister Goh Cho0k Tong of Singapore paid tribute to the healthcare workers at a moving ceremony last July. At the ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier this year, Prime Minister Goh extolled the courage and dedication of foreign workers, including Filipinos, who are at the forefront in the battle against SARS.

The recipients of the Medal of Valour will be awarded their medals in a special ceremony to be held at the end of the year. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been in touch with the next of kin in the Philippines. END.