UN honors fallen Filipino staff

THE United Nations recently paid tribute to three Filipino UN staff members who lost their lives to the coronavirus disease while in the line of duty.

The three Filipinos who were among those honored during the Annual Memorial Service held on May 6 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York were Joanna Abaya of the United Nations Children’s Fund, Dr. Ronald Santos of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and Maria Luisa Almirol Castillo of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

The names of the late Filipino staff members alongside their 333 colleagues were read oneby-one.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres reported 336 UN personnel from 82 UN member states, including civilian, military and police, paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace or in Covid-19 related circumstances in 2020, the highest number of UN personnel fatalities recorded in UN history.

“Those dear colleagues were a reflection of the diversity and richness of experience of the United Nations,” he said.

Undersecretary-General Atul Khare of the UN Department of Operational Support stated the live event provided an opportunity for families and colleagues, around the world, to gather and remember their loved ones.

“Our fallen colleagues will be more than ever united in our hearts and we offer our love and prayers to their families and friends,” he said.

“The Philippines is grateful for the remarkable work of these Filipinos in the United Nations and for their sacrifices,” Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Permanent Representative to the Philippine Mission to the United Nations, said.

“Their legacy and dedication will serve as an inspiration for all of us”, he added.

At least 657 Filipinos, inclusive of officers and uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, are currently serving in the United Nations both in the headquarters and on the field.

JAVIER JOE ISMAEL