March 29, 2024

MANKAYAN, Benguet – Government needs to continuously partner with its constituents and keep engaging the people.
Mayor Frenzel Ayong shared this lesson learned from the Covid-19 pandemic to Presidential Communications and Operations Office Sec. Martin Andanar during the Laging Handa Network Briefing News on Jan. 12.   
Mankayan, like other local government units, has to deal with the effects of the community quarantine among its people whose day-to-day life, movements, livelihood and business are disrupted. There was also a surge of Covid cases in the municipality towards the end of last year.
The municipality survived these challenges with the help of the residents themselves, the government at all levels, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
“For the past year, we have seen that the government, on its own, cannot face the pandemic,” Ayong said. 
He cited the help of the town’s farming communities which initiated the donation of vegetable produce during the enhanced community quarantine. 
Ayong said he did not request the farming communities of barangays Balili, Tabio, Bulalacao, Guinaoang, Taneg, and Suyo to freely give their vegetables, but the farmers  brought vegetables to the municipal hall  daily  for distribution, especially in the mining communities.
As a sign of gratitude for their generosity and volunteerism, the LGU purchased six L300 multipurpose vehicles and gave one to each of the six barangays last December. The vehicles will also enhance the mobility and responsiveness of these LGUs.  
Ayong also acknowledged the private sector like the Lepanto Mining Company for its support especially during the surge of cases in the mining camps. Together, they were able to deliver the goods and services needed to manage the situation.
As of Jan. 11, Mankayan has 608 cases including two deaths, 54 active cases, and 550 recoveries.
Ayong called on the people of Mankayan to maintain basic health protocols to manage the surge of cases in the municipality. – PIA-CAR