In the popular edict, “To ‘err’ is human, to forgive is divine”, interchanging the word ‘err’ with ‘criticize’ would not be farfetched and still ring so true since criticizing or to use a millennial word, “bashing”, seems to be the easiest thing in the world to do. How sad.
Living in a democracy where there is supposedly freedom of speech coupled with social media, many engage in criticizing others to their hearts’ content. Unfortunately, many also hide under fake names while bashing others. They are cowardly trolls who are surely going to multiply now that our largest fiesta, the national elections, is just around the corner.
Of course, everybody has the right to criticize. We live in a democracy, after all, no matter how crazy it is at times. However, maybe it would be better if these criticisms are constructive and not below the belt. Especially now that we are fighting Covid-19 where nerves are frayed and many are on edge.
Anyway, in a media forum at City Hall, Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña said: “We can never sacrifice our people’s health in favor of the economy but we are trying our very best to achieve a balance, if possible,” when asked about the local government’s “balancing act” of protecting the public’s health while shielding the economy against the onslaught of the Covid-19 and its variants.
He admitted the Summer Capital’s economy is currently “suffering” with its main industry, tourism, down in the doldrums. While the local economy is a “little bit functioning,” dela Peña said it is not even 30 percent of what it was before the pandemic struck.
He said the latest guidelines on health protocols like limiting the number of customers in restaurants, total liquor ban, and the like are having a very big impact on the operations of local businesses.
This near-sighted Ibaloy writer believes although Baguio’s economy may be down right now, it will never be out as long as we continue to cooperate and help one another during this pandemic. Let us heal as one.
FYI: Members of the contact tracing and swab teams of the city work more than double time to keep up with the spiraling number of Covid-19 patients. The contact tracing lead team is encouraging families and organizations to learn and teach simple contact tracing techniques to their members like keeping a list or diary of places they went to and persons they encounter and assuming the responsibility of informing these contacts should they turn positive for the disease. The team is open to conducting contact tracing trainings, just call 0927-503-7688.
Here’s “Optimist” by yours truly: “I am in that age/ Where dreams no longer matter/ And God stopped giving/ But only takes away/ Where idealism is frowned upon/ And taking what you can/ Is its own reward/ I am in that age/ Where hope’s no longer an option/ And prayer is a waste of time/ Where being your brother’s keeper/ Is deemed to be foolish/ And selfishness is praised/ I rest my case.”
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
