Serving fellow Filipinos amid the pandemic, our country’s frontline healthcare workers brave each day to save lives. Dr. Marissa Lim is one such frontline hero. An internist nephrologist based in Quezon City, Dr. Lim sees patients at Diliman Doctors Hospital and Philippine Heart Center, while teaching at East Avenue Medical Center.

The PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) and the rest of Tulong Kapatid consortium of foundations, companies and affiliates led by Group Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, recognize the heroic efforts of Dr. Lim and her fellow frontline healthcare workers. As continuous support to frontliners, Tulong Kapatid provides food and PPEs to affiliate and partner hospitals around the country.

“In this time of struggle and suffering wisdom will come from embracing what God may throw our way,” said Pangilinan, “to be grateful for what’s good and to seek His meaning for what’s painful.”

Building a culture of kindness
The PSF recently reached out to Dr. Lim to let her tell her story in the hopes of inspiring fellow Filipinos to remain strong and resilient amid the pandemic.

“I love what I do. I love helping people. And even during some days when I don’t love doing it, I think that the rigorous training at med school just makes me do the steps so automatically. The patients remind me of my why every day.  Ang daming puwedeng tulungan. (There are so many people I can help),” said Lim. 

Lim starts her day as early as 7 A.M. As she prepares, she follows the safety protocol – face mask, face shield and an extra layer of PPE. With the increase in COVID cases, most of her patients have also contracted the coronavirus.

“During the surge, I felt like I was just crawling [and] trying to get things done.  So many times, I just want to shut off the phone and go to sleep, but I guess the long years of training make us persevere.  And so many colleagues are inspiring. No matter how hard it is, they go to work. We carry on with our commitment and duty to serve,” said Lim.

According to Lim, the days have been harrowing but so many patients have touched her heart. Lim shared that there was a blind grandmother, who was one of the patients inside the tent situated in the hospital. Like many others, she was waiting to be admitted to a room. The grandmother went to two hospitals – all were full – and by sheer luck came to the hospital where Lim works.

“She told me that she is turning 88 this year, and I prayed and hope that everything would turn out well. Luckily, I hear from friends that she was admitted into a room after some hours and was able to go home safely. I am just as thankful for that kind lady who called me out to help  lola (grandmother). Indeed, there is still kindness in this world,” Lim said.

One of her patients was a man who she considers to be “more amazing than most”. Lim shared that “Mr. G” was so kind and even during his most difficult breathing episodes, he still found ways to show kindness – whether it was by offering something to eat or showing how much he loved his family by undergoing hemoperfusion no matter how exhausting it could be.

“His room was full of letters and photos of family. I would go out of his room and talk to his daughter. She was probably around my age. Seeing her and her father reminded me how there are people who still have so much kindness in them even during times of greatest difficulty,” Lim said.

“But COVID had once again bared its sharp teeth, and that day, we lost a sweet man. His daughter summed up her thanks the best: that in his last moments in life, he had still managed to touch many people, and it was something they were proud of,” Lim said.

Finding passion with purpose
Lim also shared that her peers and colleagues inspire her to be better each day – to do more with a heart that so willingly serves. One nurse, in particular, gave her so much hope. According to Lim, his way of managing patients was different.

“He asked intelligent questions and filled gaps in patient care. In my happiness for having met a kindred spirit, I asked his name and told him that I would commit him to my memory dahil iba siya (because he is different), in a good way,” Lim said.

“He was a fast worker, and in our short interaction, I felt his compassion towards patients and his good work ethic,” Lim added. With the pandemic posing uncertainty in the lives of so many people, Lim asked him , "Bakit ganito? (Why are things like this?)" to which he replied three words, "Doc, manalig ka (Have faith)."

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken so many lives. With loss and grief, it is difficult to find hope in dark times.

“People ask if I feel scared stepping into a COVID room and being in contact with [patients]. In their isolation, maaawa ka na lang (you will pity them).  Hindi mo na mararamdaman ang takot (You will not feel scared).  There is just this strong feeling that compels me to do just about anything to make them feel better,” Lim said.

According to Lim, action is the antidote to anxiety. She strives to be someone who constantly helps others and who thinks outside of themselves. For her, she no longer pays attention to the noise. But amid darkness, she finds her purpose and does it endlessly.