ILOILO City – “Governance is really a team work, a team effort.”
This was one of the greatest things this southern city learned since the first day of the community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
“Tanan superstar, tanan naga-contribute sang ila na-intindihan,” said Treñas.
The mayor lauded how Ilonggos channeled the spirit of bayanihan – all efforts and huge donations –since the declaration of lockdown on March 20, 2020.
“Bugas, mga delata and noodles from private individuals nga ginpanagtag ta dayun,” the mayor said.
“Sige man to luto ‘ta sa aton 240 ka mga community kitchens. Naghatag kita sang mga pagkaon sa tanan nga pulis, Army kag mga healthcare workers,” Treñas recalled.
The city government also distributed Ilonggo pandesal, its ingredients supplied by the business sector.
“Nalipay gid ko sa pagbinuligay ta. Nangin indi mabudlay sa aton tanan,” Treñas said, noting as well the big contribution of the media in terms of awareness campaign on COVID-19 protocols.
The pandemic, Treñas stressed, was a day-to-day thing.
“I have to rely on our people here in city hall,” he said. “I do not give only directions or give out what should be done. I also get ideas and most importantly gahalin ‘ni tanan sa aton medical group.”
ILOILO FIGHTING
Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., meanwhile, admitted that the approach against COVID-19 was never easy.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that the most important thing is everyone understands exactly how to prevent the disease and do isolation from the very start.
“Right now, we are good because may ara na kita COVAC Plan 2021-2022 or Vaccine Deployment and Immunization Plan. We are implementing that kay sa umpisa pa lang ginatulok ta na nga ang vaccine is the ultimate solution,” said Defensor.
“We are still fighting. All we have to do is continue to improve, even may struggle pa kita and mga challenges,” he added./PN