The Archdiocese of Jaro has asked the government for help amid the rising number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the province.
In a letter addressed to Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases chairman Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo said the province needs to augment its manpower and medical supplies to address the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Iloilo.
“We are asking your good offices for support – nurses, COVID medicines, beds, ventilators, and vaccines. The hospitals are hitting maximum capacity and the health care related debts are swelling,” Lazo said in his letter.
Records of the Iloilo City government showed there are now 3, 535 COVID-19 cases in the province with 1, 765 active cases and 79 deaths.
“In your respective posts of public duty, many things can be done and great differences can be made for our brothers and sisters who are struggling in the hospitals as of this writing. We knock at heaven’s door for mercy and help,” the archbishop added.
The Archdiocese of Jaro has jurisdiction over Iloilo City and Guimaras which have about 2.2. million Catholics.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas has thanked Archbishop Lazo and the whole Archdiocese of Jaro for working hand in hand with the local government in its COVID-19 response.
The Church leader continues to call on the faithful to do their share in helping stop the spread of the virus in the province and to pray for an end to the pandemic.