By Nino Luces
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Sto. Domingo town in Albay province passed a resolution on Monday, urging residents to fight discrimination against health workers, patients with confirmed corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their families.
Proposed by Councilor Mark Aguas, the resolution was unanimously approved during the regular session held Monday.
“This is actually our first step to strengthen our campaign against discrimination, lalong lalo na sa ating mga health workers na itinaya ang kanilang buhay para sa kapakanan natin. Hindi lang yan, pati na mga COVID-19 patients na grabe ang sakit at lungkot na dinaranas dahil sa virus na ito. We do it urgent, we responded the call of DOH and DILG. Heto na yung umpisa para sa isang ordinansa na gagawin natin,” Aguas said.
Last week, the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol urged local government units in the region to pass an ordinance that will protect health workers, patients with confirmed COVID-19 and their families from discrimination.
DOH-Bicol Regional Director Dr. Ernie Vera said LGUs should pass ordinances protecting the welfare of these medical front liners and COVID-19 victims, after reports came out that some of them were suffering harassment from the public through stoning of their houses, bullying on social media and other forms of discrimination.
“DOH CHD-Bicol urges LGUs to pass an ordinance against discrimination or violence to our health workers and patients and take necessary measures to prevent such act,” Vera said.