DESPITE the stiff challenges posed by calamities and the latest game changer Covid-19, we should assert our resiliency to triumph over all challenges.
As Nurse Cheshire Que wrote in the Manila Bulletin: Filipinos who fall victim to the wrath of Mother Nature are resilient in general, while those who are spared, find ways to extend whatever help they can.
As to the deadly illness we are presently confronted with, why do we allow too much alarm to pervade amongst us? Are the reports and information bombarded us all true and accurate? There is nothing to fear but fear itself and we will always be at the losing end if we continue to act suspicious and fearful. We need to change our mindset.
The tasking of barangays by the Department of Interior and Local Government to help in the fight against the coronavirus is a timely move. Since residents are known by barangay men, the residents’ movements can be monitored to identify the positive cases and the people they came in contact with and so, the monitoring becomes active and effective. The Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHRETs) can assist closely with the Department of Health in its undertaking to ferret out Covid-19 cases.
So many postponements, adjustments and realignments have been made of meetings, seminars and conferences due to the coronavirus scare. It is as if it now dictates how we act and behave hanging as a sword of Damocles over our heads ready to sow fear anytime.
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I find it awkward to see Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go still acting as President Duterte’s errand boy since his stint as Special Presidential Assistant is done. Now that he is a Senator of the Republic, he should devote his time and presence to legislative duties after all there is a separation of powers between the executive and the legislative branches of government.
In fairness to Sen. Bong Go, he has actively shepherded the Malasakit Centers throughout the country. He is also conspicuous in helping victims of calamities, the homeless and the downtrodden.
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Former senator Manny Villar, writing in the Manila Bullentin has this to say about COVID 19: We need to implement a whole-of-society approach with government, the private sector and the public doing their part to ensure public health and safety. If there is a silver lining to this crisis, it is that the COVID 19 threat now changed the hygiene habits of many Filipinos. Many are now conscious about cleanliness.
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I wish to commiserate with the Spouses Mayor Romy Pecson and Carol Pecson and their family members for the death of their daughter, Nurse Nancy V. Pecson, 32 who transpired in Los Angeles, California, USA. Condolence po.