WHEN confronted with stress, one must make hard choices. I have been through a stressful two weeks. Boy, was it hard! Health is more important than work. I have learned about this reality ages ago, hence, taking a leave from law school no matter my heart’s desire to finish the course; exiting from important professional career posts; self-care to borrow my sisters’ word; taking it slow; enjoying life according to my friend Sister Celine; among others.
With the COVID-19 pandemic raging on, we have even more appreciated the value of health and healthy living. It is not only right; it is wise.
While managing my health, I also had to revisit my plans. Before this pandemic hit our shores, plans were already in place to return to my birthplace. There is a huge probability now that this plan will take a backseat.
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Families are losing loved ones because of this pandemic. Not only that, but our humanity is also tested and subjected to the crucible of fire, so to speak. We have seen the best and worst of people: selfishness, greed, self-aggrandizement, devaluing others; compassion, kindness, generosity, empathy. Even politics is thrown in the squabble at a time when our energies should be focused on overcoming this deadly crisis.
We would think that on the second year of the pandemic, our country and countrymen are already in synch: move past the brawls and pettiness and set the trajectory on wellness. Unfortunately, we are still bickering. Well, some for good measure, especially when our local government units (LGUs) are caught unprepared even on the second year when they could have learned the ropes on the first year of the pandemic.
We can’t also diminish and devalue the sentiments of the citizenry when they express their anger and frustration over the ineptitude and incompetence of supposed leaders. You asked for people to elect you, trust you; they expect you to deliver.
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As early as January 2021, LGUs have been advised to prepare for adequate cold storage facilities across the temperature ranges to store COVID-19 vaccines.
I have been wondering for some time now why General Santos City is not using the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines when other highly-urbanized cities and even smaller cities like Tagbilaran City – capital city of Bohol – have been receiving and using Pfizer and Sputnik V vaccines.
This question is finally answered this week courtesy of Ratatat sa Balita over 98.3 Home Radio General Santos. The city doesn’t have the facility yet.
In the regular session held at the General Santos City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) this week, city councilors and the audience were informed that the procurement process is now on its “final stages”. During the question hour, it was disclosed that in the coming weeks, the same vaccine refrigerators may now be available.
Atty. Franklin Gacal, Jr., Chairperson of the SP Committee on Finance, has informed that a Php 125-Million budget for vaccine and cold storage facilities has been approved in the first quarter of 2021. What could have happened in the intervening months, I wonder.
I wonder why it must take another SP session for the constituents to be informed about the development of this cold storage facility. An effective communication plan could have included an update on the status of this procurement since this is an essential requirement of the city in its fight against COVID-19.
The good news for city residents, on the other hand, is more vaccines are coming. With this development, there is a need to increase the number of personnel to administer vaccination. This means that the LGU will hire more vaccinators. Let’s just do it now!
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I learned Thursday that vaccination for 2,500 stakeholders of the General Santos City Fish Port Complex which is supposed to start this week is moved next week. In this program, laborers will be prioritized, which is a good thing. There is a need to push this vaccination program to protect the backbone of the city’s fish port.
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Food for Thought: Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters. – Abraham Lincoln
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
