Senator Leila M. de Lima has commended the joint efforts of local government officials, the health force and volunteers from civil society organizations (CSOs) for coming to the aid of residents affected by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
De Lima, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, also acknowledged some local chief executives who swiftly and creatively responded after Luzon was placed under “enhanced community quarantine.”
“Because of the efforts of LGUs from the city, municipal and barangay levels, the community quarantine in several areas, especially within the NCR (National Capital Region), has been relatively successful, no thanks to the national government,” she said in his Dispatch from Crame 743.
“Not everything is going well, but step by step and day by day, the LGUs and the private sector joined in a bayanihan spirit are making things work,” she added.
The unprecedented pandemic that caused anxieties and uncertainties to millions of Filipino people has put to scrutiny the efforts of the national and local government agencies in responding to the global public health crisis.
The Duterte administration has however continuously received public backlash for its mismanagement and incompetence to prevent the surge of coronavirus infections that so far killed 33 people.
Various LGUs, especially those from Metro Manila, are receiving commendations for their quick and decisive efforts to provide assistance to their constituents despite their own limitations in manpower, resources and funding.
“Salamat sa mga magagaling at masisipag na Mayor na katulad ni Vico Sotto ng Pasig, na pilit namang sinisiraan ng mga trolls ng administrasyon sa social media, unti-unti nating nakikita ang mga solusyon at pamamaraan kung paano natin malalampasan ang pagsubok na ito,” De Lima said.
“National government must step up. Tulungan dapat nang todo ang LGUs. Tulungan, hindi takutan. Bayanihan, hindi pabayaan na lang. Kalinga, hindi kasuhan o ikulong na lang,” she added.
The lady Senator from Bicol also urged every citizen to make honest and sincere efforts to continue supporting health care workers and frontliners, including volunteers who are risking their own lives and safety for the well-being of other people.
“This petty government has no capacity whatsoever in uniting us and moving us forward away from this crisis. But our local leaders, health force, and community workers can, with our help and solidarity,” she said.
Mr. Duterte is asking Congress to grant him emergency powers to contain the further spread of the deadly coronavirus disease that killed 33 people and infected 501 others and grant him authority to sequester vital public utilities and other businesses.
Although there are reportedly 19 patients who have recovered, health authorities have warned that the numbers of those infected will rise as more testing kits have arrived in the country.
