BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental urged Negrenses not to fear, but instead to strengthen their faith in God amid the global fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“We are not alone in this battle. We have a God whom we might have disregarded and overlooked due to the haste of our modern lives and love of self,” a teary-eyed Lacson said in his message to the provincial government employees during the community prayer held at the Capitol grounds on March 24.
“It is for this reason, I am addressing you today – to remind all of us of our dependence on God’s mercy and grace. No victory over anything, over any disease is possible without God,” he added.
The governor said COVID-19 is new to everyone and that humanity, as a whole, is not prepared for it.
“First world countries, powerful countries, and the less powerful ones are frightened and shaken just the same. This disease knows no earthly powers,” he added.
Lacson said that months ago, the threat was not as real for the Negrenses as it is now.
“Yes, the virus has reached our island, our country. Never in recent history that borders and ports have been closed and community quarantine imposed,” he added.
The governor, however, said that “this is not the time to cower in fear and confusion, but (the time) to fortify our faith with prayers”.
“We Negrenses are God’s people, and He will surely hear our pleas for help. For though our life changes, He never does,” he said.
In ending his message, the governor shared a verse from II Chronicles, Chapter 7 a portion of which read: “…If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
On March 15, Lacson ordered the closure of borders, ports and airports in Negros Occidental until April 14 as part of the province’s intensified measures against COVID-19. (With a report from PNA/PN)
