At long last, there seems to be light at the end of this Covid-19 pandemic “tunnel” that has so far killed millions of lives, destroyed economies, and pushed many millions more to extreme poverty worldwide.
After all, is said and done, will the Chinese leadership be made to pay by the rest of the world since the virus started in Wuhan, China? Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.
Anyway, this writer is basing his cautious optimism on what Mayor Benjie Magalong announced recently that “We are about to hit the gate towards recovery” during the regular management committee meeting, Nov. 9, of local officials at Baguio Convention Center. He cited the assessment of the United States Health Secretary who claimed that with recent medical advancements and steady decline of Covid-19 cases, “in a matter of months this pandemic will be over.”
“So we have now to think ahead and be forward looking on what’s going to happen,” the mayor said. He has directed City Planning and Development Office head Donna Rillera Tabangin to conduct a one-day workshop with the private sector to ensure that plans towards recovery are aligned.
The mayor added: “We need to listen to them and learn what they need because right now the city’s engine towards recovery is businesses”.
The city government is commending businesses in the Summer Capital that have taken the initiative of posting“vaccinated employees” signs in their establishments, denoting their workers have been jabbed against Covid-19.
Atty. Althea Alberto, City Mayor’s Office executive assistant IV, said an advisory will be issued urging other business firms whose employees are vaccinated to follow suit by posting similar signs. She echoed the mayor’s plea for residents and visitors not to put their guards down despite the steady drop in Covid cases but to continue adhering to minimum public health standards and having themselves vaccinated against the virus to prevent its spread.
FYI: The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has conducted a contingency planning workshop for earthquake from Nov. 8 to 12 participated by representatives of DRRM Council member offices, agencies, and civil society organizations.
CDRRM Officer AntonetteAnaban said the five-day activity aimed to give participants the knowledge, skills, and attitude that are essential in formulating a contingency plan that is responsive to needs that will arise during a worst-case disaster situation triggered by an earthquake.
The Summer Capital was one of the worst hit areas during the July 16, 1990 killer earthquake that caused the loss of hundreds of lives, considerable damage to property and economic dislocation.
Anaban said DRRM is the systematic process of using administrative directives, organizations, operational skills and capacities to implement strategies, policies and improved coping capacities to lessen the adverse impacts of hazards and possibility of disasters.
She cited the 2020 World Risk Report where the Philippines ranked as the ninth country most at risk to disasters globally.
Efficient disaster management is one of the city government’s 15-point agenda towards achieving good governance.
Here’s “Outwitted” by Edwin Markham: “He drew a circle that shut me out –/ Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout./ But Love and I had the wit to win:/ We drew a circle that took him in!”
Let’s end with a prayer: “Touch me, O Lord, and fill me with your light and your hope. Amen. Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. Amen..” (from the internet)
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
