By Rizal Obanil
Local officials in Panghulo, Malabon thought of a different approach to patrolling the neighborhood to ensure that residents are staying at home during the lockdown.
Instead dressing up in scary costumes, to instill fear on curfew and quarantine violators, the members of the Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) wore Star Wars-inspired costumes.
In an interview by ABS-CBN Channel 2, Ian Borja, Barangay Captain of Panghulo said: “Para mangiti ang tao, malibang, maiba yung pinaguusapan. At least yun po ang pinaka-importante, mawala sa isipan nila yung stress ng quarantine. (To make them smile, entertain them, and change the topic of conversation. ...that’s what is most important, to relieve them of the stress due to the quarantine).”
The costume-clad SK members made the rounds along the barangay officials reminding residents to follow the rules of the enhanced community quarantine.
Upon seeing Darth Vader and Storm Troopers marching along, residents went out to their respective backyards to get a view.
They were even more delighted when the group started to dance.
Barangay officials attest that this approach has immensely helped them get the people’s cooperation.
True enough, since this has started, no resident has violated any of the quarantine regulations.