Interior and Local Government Sec. Benhur Abalos said on Sunday, July 17, that the fight against the Covid-19 will remain a priority as the number of cases begins to rise again.
“I urge our LCEs (local chief executives), not only here in Cebu but in the entire country, to come up with out-of-box programs that would help increase our vaccination rate and encourage qualified individuals to get their booster shots,” Abalos said.
He also reminded the LGUs to strictly enforce the minimum health standards such as wearing face masks in public places, frequent washing of hands, and observing physical distance to ensure the protection of their constituents.
“We should not let our guards down because we have an unusual rival here which is the coronavirus disease. Let us remember that our every action has a consequence that not only affects us and our families but the whole country as well,” he stressed.
As the Department of Education (DepEd) gears up for the opening of face-to-face classes this August, Abalos stressed that the welfare and safety of the Filipino children should be the top priority.
“We must ensure that schools in our areas comply with the government's health safety standards and Covid-19 prevention mechanisms,” Abalos noted.
Vice-President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio earlier announced that all public and private schools nationwide must transition to five days of face-to-face classes starting Nov. 2.
“I know the road to recovery remains an arduous task. But I am confident that with the cooperation and partnership of our LGUs and national government, we would be able to hurdle this season of hardship and emerge victorious as one Filipino nation,” Abalos said. (Chito A. Chavez)