MOST of us got flustered by the coronavirus pandemic due to the imminent danger it poses to one's health.
Everyone seems to be on guard towards those coming from places with high prevalence of infection.
Such stringent measures influenced the movements of people, thus burdened the stranded individuals.
The pandemic caused adverse economic impact as homesickness grow each day among those stranded, worries and anxiety likewise build up due to the depressing and uncertain conditions.
But the nature of the storm is not permanent, thus a lot of people continue to stay hopeful and prayerful that all these unfavorable circumstances will soon end.
Bacolod City Councilors Cindy Tan-Rojas, Councilor Israel Salanga and Renecito Novero, in-charge of the returning OFWs from their point of origin down to the local quarantine/billeting centers, have seen the hardships of these individuals who only hope to go home and be with their families.
Just like the 53 residents from Cebu who have finally completed their 14-day mandatory quarantine. They were all tested negative of Covid-19.
What a story of tribulation that turned into a blessing. They were all excited to be reunited with their respective families.
Before they left the quarantine center, they were treated to a simple feast from Councilor Rojas, congratulating them for getting cleared.
"That's my promise to them and I am also happy that their test turned out negative," Rojas said.
The said residents were very grateful to those who helped them endure the ordeal caused by Covid-19. They thanked all who were part of their journey in going through the hardships of getting reunited with their family.
On the other hand, Councilors Salanga and Novero were a bit overworked due to the no prior notice in relation to the arrival of more OFWs and returning residents to Bacolod City.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) has already flooded the city with returning OFWs and residents in volumes but the arrangement of their quarantine /billeting centers for the 14-day mandatory quarantine is still quite an uphill crusade.
Salanga was already seen singing by himself to assuage the pressures and stresses that accumulate each day. He spent day and night either at the airport or seaport only to ensure that the arrival of the returning residents are in place and that the health protocols are administered and observed.
The returning residents who already completed their quarantine had this message of thanks to Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, to Councilors Rojas, Salanga, Novero, City Health Office medical team led by Dr. Mel Gensoli, Dr. Grace Tan, Dr. Karen Gensoli and all the doctors, nurses and Barangay Health Workers, the team from DSSD under Ms. Pacita Tero and the social workers, and Day Care workers and nutritionists for feeding them for five meals a day for 14 days.
They are also thankful to Ma'am Suzette Lopez, Principal of ETCS 4 and her team for making sure the school is always ready to receive those returning residents and oFWs, the PNP for the 24/7 security; Kristel Ann Develos for gearing us into the right direction; Eng'r. Loben Rafael Ceballos and his team for making sure that our quarantine facility is ready for occupancy; Councilor Renecito Novero, in-charge of the School Quarantine centers; DRRMO under Joemarie Vargas for disinfecting and taking care of the beds, beddings and hygiene kits.
Warm gratitude also went to Executive Assistant Federico Guanzon and Maricel Maravilla Aguisando for facilitating their transportation from Tabuelan Port all the way to Bacolod; and for all the others who in one way or another helped.