With mounting calls for more relaxed curfew hours, the Catholic faithful called on the government to heed their appeal in time for the traditional “Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass)” celebration this December.
DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said in a briefing Friday that he recognized the sentiments of the Catholic worshippers.
In response to their call, Densing noted that it is the right time to discuss their concern months before its celebration to enable the government to map out possible plans in case their request is heeded.
He said that the enforcement of safety protocols remain the government’s target in case more people are allowed to enter the church to celebrate the tradition.
Stressing his point, Densing pointed out the urgency to “anticipate’’ possible scenarios during its celebration.
Comparing it to the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’’ Day, Densing noted safety protocols were mapped out ahead of time in relation to advance or later visits of the public to the cemeteries.
Densing reiterated that certain measures are enforced even during such celebrations to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the country.
In the same briefing, Densing said that some 85,000 contact tracers were hired even before the Bayanihan 2 Law was passed.
With its signing, Densing disclosed that the Bayanihan 2 Law authorized the DILD to hire an additional 50,000 contact tracers.
As of October 16, Densing more than 30,000 contact tracers were already hired by the DILG Regional Offices.
Densing said he is hopeful that “we will fulfill (the hiring) of another 20,000’’ within seven to 10 days.