Dr. Rica C. Ching (莊少婷) & Anthony James S. Cu, RN (洪汶澤)

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Our salute goes to two CKSian frontliners who have faithfully performed their sworn duties as medical personnel during these difficult times. As a result, both of them are currently undergoing quarantine as Persons Under Monitoring (PUM), having been exposed to patients who showed symptoms and were classified as Persons Under Investigation (PUI).

Dr. Rica C. Ching (莊少婷) of CKS high school batch 1996 is an OB-GYNE Medical Specialist II at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital since 2008. While it is still the national maternity hospital, Fabella Hospital is being converted into a COVID-19 healthcare facility. Despite being in hospital quarantine now, Dr. Ching still laments the reality that limited PPE and N95 masks are available to protect her fellow medical frontliners. She is also worried about the limited bed capacity of Fabella Memorial Hospital to isolate COVID patients, while still taking care of pregnant mothers and newborn babies. Doc Rica is required to be in quarantine until April 14 before she returns to active duty.

Another medical frontliner, Anthony James S. Cu, RN, BSN (洪汶澤) of high school batch 2010 is a critical care nurse at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, where he has worked since 2016.

Despite strictly following protocols such as strict hand washing and wearing appropriate personal protective equipments, and being supplied with ascorbic acid and meals during duty hours at St. Luke's, Anthony still got in contact with PUIs, resulting in being quarantined as a PUM until April 12. Notwithstanding, he isn't looking at the negative side of the situation. "I learned the value of resilience from my alma mater, CKS College. During these trying times, what we do today is what matters most. I am staying optimistic in life and definitely look forward to that moment when this disease is eradicated.", Anthony said.

We asked our two unsung heroes for any message they want to convey to their fellow CKSians.

Nurse Anthony quoted Daisaku Ikeda: “No matter how long the cold, bleak days of winter may continue, winter always turns to spring. This is the law of the universe and the law of life. As long as we hold on to hope, spring is sure to come.”

On the other hand, Doc Rica expressed her appreciation to her schoolmates for their moral and material support. "Thank you to my fellow CKSians. It overwhelms us to know that you, our friends, have not abandoned us, especially in this time of need. Please be safe, because if you are, then we are. Let us fight this together!"

Thank you for your acts of heroism and patriotism, Rica and Anthony! Your CKS College family is truly proud of you and we hope for your continued safety and good health.