The world continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed many lives, including those of healthcare workers becoming patients themselves.
Dr. Marcellano Cruz was one of them. He died on March 31, 2020. He was a dermatologist and venereologist at the East Avenue Medical Center and at Ospital ng Maynila.
According to the Philippine Society of Venereology, Dr. Cruz led the rebirth of the society and was considered to be the Father of Philippine Veneorology.
Dr. Roy Salcedo paid tribute to “a fallen colleague, loved, friendly and respected of the Department of Internal Medicine – Dermatology, World Citi Medical Center, Quezon City.”
Pinoy Plus Advocacy Pilipinas Inc., an advocacy group for PLHIVs, called him a hero even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Cruz would provide free consultations and procedures for Persons with HIV every week.
“He is a great man with a solid armour but underneath it is a humble, gentle heart and a father to us. Salutes to you, Dr. Cruz. Our hearts will always be grateful and remember your gentle ways and how a father and mentor you have been to us,” read the tribute.
Dr. Gilbert Yang, one of his colleagues at the Philippine Dermatological Society, remembered him as “a colleague, mentor and friend to all.”
His daughter Olivia Marie Cruz remembered how he was as a doctor and a father.
“You are the kindest and most compassionate person I have ever known in my entire life. There were times na when a patient doesn’t have enough money to pay you, you’ll tell them na it’s okay and to save it na lang. As long as they’re telling the truth. And lahat kami papa, we’re all aware of how kind you were. You were admired for that,” Cruz said in a Facebook post.
“You stood as a father not only to our family, pati na rin sa mga residents and friends namin. Lagi mo kinekwento sila isa-isa and you were always proud sa achievements nila, and papa, they are all heartbroken as I am. They miss you so much just as I do,” she added.
His community also paid tribute to him.
“Isa kang magiting at mabuting ka-barangay, Dr. Mar Cruz! Salamat sa lahat ng libreng serbisyong medikal na inyong inalay para sa mga taga-Kalumpang!” read the post of Barangay Kalumpang Community.
Health care workers continue to work under very dangerous conditions and many have contracted the disease. They continue to demand for more Personal Protective Equipment as well as mass testing to contain the pandemic.
On April 16, the Department of Health reported 5,660 cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 362 deaths. Of this total number, 207 new cases, 13 more deaths, and 82 recoveries were recorded today.
