The Archdiocese of Manila paid tribute to all workers on the frontlines of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic as the nation marks National Heroes Day.

Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Monday led a Mass at the San Felipe Neri Parish Church in Mandaluyong City to honor the country’s “modern day heroes”.

The prelate said that frontliners deserve the people’s sincerest admiration and gratitude for their sacrifices.

It is sad, according to him, that some people “are sinking our country” in debt, corruption and the lack of concrete plan against the pandemic.

“But the heroism of our frontliners is keeping our nation afloat,” Bishop Pabillo said in his homily.

“Let us also pray for our modern heroes because of the many trials and challenges that they are going through,” he said.

Also present during the Mass were frontline workers from different sectors who continue to risk their lives amid the pandemic.

After the end of the service, candles were also lit with photographs of the frontliners who died in line of duty.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga also asked Catholics to remember the sacrifices of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Through the years we have seen the sacrifices and services of our OFWs for the betterment of their families; their financial contributions maintain our fragile economy,” he said.

Santos, vice chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, added that OFWs also show what is best in the Filipino, including “our strong faith in God and resiliency.”