Rocco Nacino
Driven by a sense of duty as a Navy reservist, actor Rocco Nacino spent his 33rd birthday last month assisting and distributing essential goods to military personnel manning checkpoints around the metro.
“I really felt I had to do something. It all started with my desire to show my gratitude and appreciation for the men and women assigned at checkpoints. I wanted to share with them the smile I had on my special day,” Rocco told the Inquirer in a recent interview.
Being out on the field amid the COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opener for the Kapuso star—an experience that gave him a better idea about the front-liners’ working conditions and the sacrifices they’re compelled to make.
“Getting up early, going out to work, and realizing you can get exposed to the virus and risk being infected is hard to do,” he said. “These men and women have families, but they can’t be with their loved ones, because there’s a possibility that they’re carrying the virus.”
For Rocco, a third class petty officer for the Navy’s reserve force, being given an opportunity to perform his responsibilities was incredibly fulfilling.
“It reminded me why I joined the Philippine Navy—to serve our country and its people in times of need,” said Rocco, who also had taken part in various relief drives, and donated personal protective equipment to hospitals.
Aside from being a reservist, Rocco is also a registered nurse. And the actor has nothing but admiration for all the hard work medical professionals do day in and day out.
“I salute them for their efforts and strength; and for continuing to be lifesavers, despite the fact that the virus has taken the lives of many medical professionals. They’re true heroes in this time of crisis,” pointed out Rocco, who earned his master’s degree in nursing—with honors—in 2017.
As such, it’s important, Rocco said, to shower them with support even in our own little ways.
“With all the donation drives and campaigns that we’re already doing, we have somehow contributed to the needs of our front-liners. The best we can do is to show our support online, from the safety of our homes, to help keep their morale high,” he said.
The mere act of taking extra precautions is already a big help.
“The principle of ‘prevention rather than treatment’ is my play every day,” Rocco said. “I do my best to disinfect whatever item I suspect may be contaminated. I do extra research for updates while staying safe at home.”
Donations for the front-liners
When he’s not on the field or joining charity efforts, Rocco uses social media as a tool to inspire by holding Bible readings with his Instagram followers.
“I didn’t expect it to reach a wide audience, but I’m sure it will mean a lot to at least one person listening; to a person in need of a good read or a reminder that things will eventually get better. We all need that spark of hope nowadays,” he said.
One of Rocco’s goals for 2020 is moving into his new, dream home in Antipolo City. But that remains to be seen, now that the enhanced community quarantine in high-risk areas, which includes Metro Manila and Rizal province, has just been extended to May 15.
“There are things that still need to be done, but the workers can’t go to the site to finish whatever they have to do. I was looking forward to finally moving there,” he said.
Rocco, who’s part of the local adaptation of the military-themed Korean drama series “Descendants of the Sun,” admitted that there are work-related things that he has been starting to miss. “I miss working on the set, the late nights, and the daily grind,” he said. “Still, I appreciate the extra time I have now.”
While he’s optimistic that the country will be able to overcome the ongoing health crisis, Rocco expects that there will be some changes in people’s way of life afterwards.
“The best thing about Filipinos is that, even during tough times, we find a way to rise above difficulties together,” he said. “Tapings will be different from now on, and I believe everyone will be extra hardworking since we’ve all missed our daily grind.”