AT THE height of this crisis, I can understand the situation our officials are facing. Before making a decision they have to look at everything. They have to study the angles and possibilities in case they would decide in favor of a situation. This makes their decision-making sometimes delayed or comes in short of the people’s expectations. And after something had been decided, disagreement is a possibility. At the end of the day, it could find its worst resolve--” damn if you do, damn if you don’t.”
The recent decision of the national government placing Bacolod under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) is a test for our leaders in the city. It was not an easy situation for Mayor Bing Leonadia and other city officials. Social media, on the evening of September 7, is heating up with questions and criticisms, while nobody is willing to explain. Something to note that the decision was not actually made at the local level. But demands to explain are coming from our people addressed to local officials. It sounds like misplaced attribution.
I observed that the problem with the MECQ declaration is the fact that our people have not prepared for the long days of quarantine. In many instances, every time there is a step to prevent the spread of the virus, people would flood the markets to secure food while putting aside the health protocols. This matter is the creation of many, yet our officials are getting the blame from handling situations up to a rising number of cases due to local transmissions.
While the MECQ is in effect, our friend Frank Carbon of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry aired concerns on the state of our local economy. Mr. Carbon furnished me a copy of their position paper and every time he had something in mind, he would inform me like when I was still at the command center.
The message of the business sector was clear and serious even before, I believe that whatever decision-making the government makes, it should look at both sides. What comes plausibly should strike a balance between our people’s safety and our economy to survive this pandemic. Hence, this should be part of a continuing evaluation to instill the social balance.
In totality, these are the major concerns attached to the identity of our officials. Aside from the actual operations on the fight against the Covid-19, they are also bashed left and right with some purely intending to remind them of their mandate while others have other intentions other than helping.
Amid calls to impose pressure on things we immediately want to be done, this could not be the proper time. We knew they are on board in this situation and in finding out ways through their deliberations behind the public’s eye.
On the province’s side, some mayors were also highlighted because of their good practices. I saw Bago City Mayor Nico Yulo implementing mass testing in his barangays. Mayor Gerry Rojas of Murcia provided service vehicles for people of his municipality. Also, Mayor Richard Jaojoco of Toboso delivered food for those who are in Bacolod and affected by the MECQ. Mayor Bebing Zayco of Kabankalan could not afford to stay in his office. He said he would want to be at the frontline. This all is a product of a sound decision.
The endpoint is to decide on perceived goodness is probably one of the hardest things to do by our government officials. But in whatever decision they make in this time of crisis, it is imperative that understanding, unity, sacrifice and cooperation will stand as guideposts of everyone.