National Policy against Covid-19 chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., on Monday cited various efforts by local government units (LGUs) nationwide in managing the impacts of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

During a televised public address of President Rodrigo Duterte, Galvez reported a decrease of Covid-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region 3 (Central Luzon), Region IV-A (Calabarzon), and Baguio City.

However, Galvez also reported that Covid-19 cases in some areas in Mindanao are generally increasing.

“Kung titingnan po natin ‘yung nakikita natin sa baba na sa bandang Mindanao southern part ay talagang medyo tumataas po (If we notice, at the southern part of Mindanao, the cases are quite increasing),” Galvez said.

Galvez said the government’s Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) team will be visiting some “high risks” areas to help them contain the spread of Covid-19 as well as mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

The National Task Force on Covid-19 (NTF) is set to visit Bukidnon, La Union, Cebu, Laguna, Tawi-Tawi, Nueva Ecija, Leyte, and Negros Occidental.

Galvez lauded the LGUs for coordinating with the national government when it comes to issues relating to Covid-19 management.

“Ang maganda po sa ating mga LGUs po ngayon ay talagang ‘pagka kailangan nila ng tulong ay talaga pong tumatawag po sila (The good thing with our LGUs is that they are reaching out when they really need help),” he said.

“They are working hard para at least ma-manage po ang ating — ang ating ano po ang ating tinatawag nating ‘yung mga kaso (They are working hard to at least manage the Covid-19 cases),” he added.

Meanwhile, Duterte was elated with the improvement in the government’s pandemic response.

“I am happy to note that there is an improvement in all aspects of the fight against Covid,” Duterte said.

He also credited everyone for exerting various efforts to manage the health crisis.

“So meaning to say that we are working, we are succeeding, and everything is — everybody is putting his effort, sweat dito sa trabaho (in this job). I’d like to thank you,” Duterte added. (PNA)