A TOTAL of 1,786 market vendors in Bacolod City underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCT) test for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on Saturday.
The surveillance testing was conducted by the City Government from three major public markets in Bacolod City; Burgos Market, Central Market and Libertad Market.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, in a statement, said he is thankful to the 1, 786 public market vendors who willingly had themselves swabbed under the Surveillance Testing project of the city through the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), under the guidance of IATF-Visayas chief implementer Major General (retired) Mel Feliciano.
“The numbers say it all. More of our people are now aware of the necessity of the testing in our fight against Covid-19 and they realize that such will redound to their personal benefit as well as that of their families and the public in general,” he said.
He added the fight against Covid-19 needs the participation and cooperation of everyone to succeed. It cannot be done by the government alone.
The mayor noted it is unfortunate and very hard to believe, however, that in the midst of this pandemic, there are still people who exploit the situation for their political agenda.
“They sow misinformation and resort to black propaganda to confuse and mislead the public. This will bring us nowhere in this crisis. We appeal to all those politicking to set aside their agenda meanwhile. Let us handle this Covid-19 crisis united as a people. It is when we are united that we can have a better chance of containing the virus and leading our people out of this pandemic. Politics will have its own time someday. But let it wait meanwhile if we care for the welfare of our people. This is our plea. Please consider this appeal seriously,” Leonardia said.
Leonardia expressed his gratitude to all the swabbers and frontliners, market association leaders, Philippine National Police and Philippine Army personnel, market officials and personnel and to all those who made the surveillance testing possible.
He is also thankful to Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, City Administrator Em Ang, Dr. Chris Sorongon, Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda, City Health officials and personnel, Mayor’s Office staff, City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan, and the City Legal Office Enforcement Team who played vital roles in this project.
Leonardia earlier issued an executive order No. 66 to conduct mandatory surveillance testing to vendors at the three major public markets in Bacolod City.
Moreover, some market vendors also held a rally outside the Libertad Public Market on Saturday opposing the surveillance testing.