ILOILO – The traditional “Simbang Gabi” in the province may still push through this year.
Yesterday, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said he would allow the conduct of the nine-day predawn Masses before Christmas but strict public health protocols must be enforced to curtail transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Defensor’s Executive Order No. 183-E allowed religious congregations subject to additional and adjusted community quarantine measures.
These rules were the following:
* attendees shall only be at 30 percent of the venue or seating capacity
* persons shall be sealed two meters apart
* seats and queue lines shall be marked accordingly for social distancing purposes
Defensor would also require parishes to appoint fulltime safety and health protocol officers to ensure compliance to the rules inside the church.
“Halin sang una maayo ang compliance sang aton nga simbahan sa social distancing. They’ve been good at it that is why we are confident,” said the governor.
Defensor, however, clarified he is still contemplating on his decision to allow predawn masses since the province’s quarantine classification could change next month.
“Hulaton ta anay kon paano mag-develop ang issuances sang national government. Panilagan ta anay kon ano ang tupa diri sang issuance towards December,” said Defensor.
Earlier, the governor said he may prohibit “festivals of lights” caroling and fireworks display.
He cited the assessment of contact tracers and the recommendation of the Philippine National Police, which point to mass gatherings as the main contributor to the local spread of COVID-19.
As of Nov. 12, Iloilo province had a total of 2,359 COVID-19 cases – 1,699 of which were active, 1,784 recovered and 75 dead./PN
