The city government has erected the “The Golden Blood” monument that symbolizes the heroism of frontline workers amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Atty. Rhenan Diwas, chief of the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), on Tuesday said the monument was erected at the Rizal Park located below the Baguio City Hall compound.

He said the monument is a gift to the modern-day heroes for their sacrifices and dedication in fighting the dreaded virus.

The monument was conceptualized before the city’s celebration of its 122nd charter anniversary in 2020.

The Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB), which annually searches Outstanding Citizens on behalf of the city government, opted to forego the annual search due to the quarantine restrictions. They, however, thought of an idea that will honor not a few individuals in the country’s summer capital but to honor the many who have sacrificed even their lives to protect others.

Dr. Elma Donaal, president of SOCOB, and Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, vice-chairman of SOCOB, in a post on the group’s social media, said the monument is a tribute to the front-liners which was jointly done with the city government.

Tabanda said the monument is but a fitting tribute to collectively recognize the front-liners for their heroism and contribution to humanity amid the pandemic.

Donaal, on the other hand, said that with the arrival of the vaccines, they could be able to continue with the annual search in time for the city’s charter anniversary in September. (PNA)