President commends Caritas Singapore and Catholic institutions for COVID-19 campaign

Caritas Singapore, Catholic Welfare Services (CWS), and other Catholic institutions are among the teams and organizations that were given the President's Certificate of Commendation for their contributions to the fight against COVID-19.

Speaking on the occasion, President Halimah Yacob said, "COVID-19 was unprecedented. It tested our mettle as a society in many ways."

"Despite the odds, we emerged stronger from it due to the contributions of many Singaporeans who worked bravely and tirelessly to adapt to every new challenge brought about by the pandemic. Thank you for your sacrifice and hard work in shaping our collective response to the crisis of a generation," she added.

The official social and community arm of the Catholic Church in the city-state is Caritas Singapore, which also serves as the governing body for 24 Catholic charities and organizations. These groups' work has impacted many people's lives, regardless of race or religion. Additionally, it belongs to Caritas Internationalis, a network of more than 160 international aid agencies.

A variety of programs and services are provided for those in need by Catholic Welfare Services, including nursing homes, shelters, bursaries and scholarships, food and money assistance, and more.

On the other hand, Catholic Welfare Services was a non-profit social service organization established in 1959 to improve the lives of the less fortunate in the neighborhood.

Its programs and services have been widened to assist various causes and people.

Mount Alvernia Hospital, founded and managed by the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), also received the President's Certificate of Commendation.

Founded in 1949, the private and only not-for-profit Catholic acute tertiary care hospital provides compassionate and holistic healthcare to serve all with love. 

Besides, Assisi Hospice, run by the FMDM Sisters, also received the President's Certificate of Commendation. It was established in 1969.

One of the parishes, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, located at 50 Ophir Road, Singapore, also received the President's Certificate of Commendation. It was established in 1880.

President Halimah gave the national prizes in five award categories to more than 450 teams and more than 100 individuals at the inauguration.

The Meritorious Service Medal (Covid-19), Public Service Star (Covid-19), Public Administration Medal (Gold) (Covid-19), and Medal of Valor (Covid-19) are the other four award categories in addition to the President's Certificate of Commendation (Covid-19).

Three people received the Meritorious Service Medal (Covid-19), the highest honor.

About 850 people, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, attended the occasion.

Prime Minister Lee congratulated the recipients of the National Awards (COVID-19) and said, "For me, attending their investiture ceremony was a deeply satisfying and moving experience."

"Singapore came through COVID-19 through the teamwork, unremitting efforts, and selfless sacrifices of many people and groups. Singaporeans came together to do their duty and more. That is how we could respond as one united people and avoid a major calamity. Had we not stepped up and worked together, the outcome could easily have been very different," he added.

The president honored some outstanding individuals and groups that fought this battle.

"I was struck by the enormous diversity and sheer scale of their contributions—this was truly a whole nation effort. Many more will receive their awards and recognition at other ceremonies later," he said on a social media post.

"They are the heroes of our fight against COVID-19, and we thank them all for their grit and courage," he added.- Santosh Digal