Palpak 1: Just wait and see… they will soon boast there are no CoViD cases here because of their policies. Excuse me, most of the policies have been palpak (a flop). The requirement of leaving drivers licenses, etc. at entry points has resulted in no physical distancing at the checkpoints. Aside from being illegal, it causes delays and traffic jams running up to two kilometers, one has to wait for about three hours just to enter Dumaguete. Palpak 2: The sharing of quarantine passes among 10 households is against national guidelines. Palpak 3: Having color-coded passes for Dumaguete residents and for non-residents/workers with no exemptions is against national guidelines. Palpak 4: Even members of the Quick-Response Team and the IATF from other cities/municipalities have not been allowed to enter Dumaguete on emergency cases. Palpak 5: Our frontliners are not exempted when they go to the market or the grocery stores. Their IDs have not been honored. Doctors and nurses have not been given importance. The same was true with the request of the lawyers through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for the City to provide one QPass per household; it was denied. Palpak 6: Dumaguete is not ready for mass testing — which is supposed to be part and parcel of an ECQ Plan. Palpak 7: There are too many checkpoints in the City, “pusil-pusil” using thermal scanners so many times; it’s a non-sense policy. Palpak 8: Failure to address the problem of overcrowded detention cells — which is a potential threat of spreading CoViD. The City’s attention on the matter has been called the past two weeks — no action until now. What’s happening? For not being responsive, maybe it’s better that we expose these lapses. Bright boys, do pride, arrogance, and power tripping have something to do with what’s happening? Palpak 9 pakapin: Not honoring the Provincial Ordinance (mandatory stay-at-home order) on exemptions for medical practitioners, hospital staff, nurses, caregivers, and health volunteers so they can render medical assistance is causing anarchy, a “state of disorder due to the absence/non-recognition of authority”. — Atty. Rommel Erames, former Provincial Board member
Like many other cities and provinces, ours responded to the pandemic shadow boxing — that is understandable. What is not acceptable is this: our government officials remain, up to this date, uncommunicative to their constituency. They remain mostly mum, until there is a crisis, i.e., death of a patient or finding of a CoViD-positive case. In times like this when public anxiety and fear level are up to the nth degree, our officials must be transparent, and should ensure there is an open line between them and the public. This is not simply a matter of good governance, but ethical imperative for political leaders to ensure that public measures against CoViD-19 are collectively crafted and developed. For after all, what is at stake here is our common and shared life. Not simply our survival but importantly, the flourishing of all life. Thus, what is really important for us now is to have a public and open discussion on what we need to do to prevent or to minimize the curve of the next or second wave of the pandemic. Here is my specific wish-list for the Dumaguete local government unit, and for Negros Oriental province: 1) Daily updates; 2) Publication and wide dissemination of the plan on what we are going to do, how, and the timeframe — should the second wave happen; 3) Information to the public how government is preparing, i.e., stocking of PPEs, preparation of testing kits, and tracing of teams just in case. In short, transparency and open communication. I am sure there are more that needs to be done but based on the implementation of the ECQ and EECQ, this is an area that we can improve and do better. — Prof. Karl James Villarmea, faculty, Silliman University
As an officer of the Philippine Nurses Association, I have been involved in the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force-Emerging Infectious Diseases, especially facilitating the needs of healthcare frontliners. Based on my observations, the City and Provincial governments have done their part as mandated by the guidelines of the National IATF-EID. Although there are some lapses especially in the provision of adequate and needed PPEs and medical supplies, some private individuals, establishments, and NGOs were able to supplement them, but still, it was not enough. To address this need, local government leaders should put more attention on equipping our health care facilities, not only with the needed medical equipment or supplies, but also investing more on the welfare of our healthcare providers so that they are able to provide the needed holistic care of our patients in this health crisis. — Prof. Theorose June Quilnet-Bustillo, Philippine Nurses Association-Negros Oriental
I am generally satisfied with the manner of governance in the implementation of the ECQ in the whole Province, except for how it’s done here in Dumaguete. OA ra kaayo. We just have to follow the recommendations of our health experts. — Atty. Jose Aldo Muñoz
For Dumaguete, I think the leaders have done well in decongesting the City. How best can you control the influx of more than 100,000 residents, plus 300,000 outsiders who want to buy essentials and/or do business in the small area called the Central Business District of Dumaguete? The Q Passes, if zealously honored, help cut the number of persons in a given area, lessening the chance of transmission. The stringent rules imposed in the central market, plus the promotion of satellite markets or talipapas helped in decongesting the City. Encouraging online businesses, especially food and grocery deliveries, likewise helped in keeping people at home. What probably is the least helpful are the numerous checkpoints within the City. As long as the establishments follow strict crowd control, that will suffice in limiting number of persons in a given area. Checking of the temperature with the thermal gun is confusing, to say the least, because we do not know what to do if the temperature is high. Probably temperature checks should be confined to establishments, not at checkpoints. Anyone with fever should not be allowed to go in, but people on their private vehicles will unlikely infect others. Needless to say, the bigger threat are the asymptomatic infected persons, rather than those with symptoms, who most likely will not go out. The mandatory use of face masks in public places can help control droplet spread. Probably, we can go beyond by providing free surgical three-ply face masks. If the wearer has the virus, the surgical face mask, like the cloth mask, can help protect the other person. However, if it is the other person who is infected, and is not wearing any, only the surgical mask will protect. We can also establish handwashing areas in critical areas like the markets, where all are encouraged to wash hands going in, and before coming out. This will minimize any chances of the virus, that may have been left on the surfaces of the goods that were bought, to be carried home by an unsuspecting buyer. — Dr. Geena Priscila Macalua-Labaco, oncologist
Do not be misled by misinformation that Negros Oriental is CoViD-free. There are still CoViD suspects and CoViD-probable patients here in the Province. Even a negative CoViD test result of a patient is NOT an assurance that he does not have an infection. The present CoViD tests may still yield a false-negative result [when an actually sick person passes the test]. Clinical presentation and CT scan of the lungs are more reliable parameters for diagnosing CoViD-19. Do not let your guard down. I strongly urge each and everyone of you to practice social distancing, wear a mask at all times, wash your hands as often as you could, use hand sanitizers, and cover your mouth using the proper technique when coughing or sneezing [Turn your face away from people and cough into your elbow or sleeve.] If the healthcare system of the Province is overwhelmed, then we are doomed! God forbid. — Dr. Jocelyn Joyce Gamo Maningo, internal medicine
Mass testing in a local testing center would be the most secure way of moving forward after ECQ. Test-Isolate-Treat-Trace contacts-Test. Vigilance and transparency have to be at the forefront in all this. A massive education drive about CoViD has to be done so that it will be imprinted on the minds of the people in the community on why it is critical to implement safety precautions. Maybe we can compose catch Bisaya jingles that can be repeatedly broadcast on air or on YouTube. We have to maximize the role of media, including social media. Have barangay health workers partner with non-government organizations to visit house-to-house to provide anti-bacterial soap and demonstrate proper handwashing techniques. Have the family members return-demo. Maybe they can think of conducting a contest on proper handwashing how-to videos. It has to be massive information drive. Awareness by each and every person is important so that the efforts towards vigilance is community-wide. We can also do an expanded drive to make and provide masks, especially for the working population who may not be able to buy their own like the cargador at the pier, the vendors in the markets. — Dr. Frances Hope Yap, retina specialist/ophthalmologist, Aces Eye Referral Clinic
I’m afraid people from Negros Oriental are just too complaisant — all-too-willing to accept what the authorities say without any protest. The authorities base their decisions only on the four positive cases of CoViD we have had in the Province, disregarding our actual stats. Our positive cases of CoViD have remained “low” because if you come to think of it, we’ve never had mandatory testing. The politicians here must join hands with the health sector in combatting this pandemic the way medical doctors have been trained how. I can only hope and pray these politicians will listen to the medical allied people who, in this health regard, obviously know better. — Doctor Anonymous
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The Province has been guided by the national directives with regards to CoViD-19, and any modifications made remain within the guidelines of this directive. This is how I see the actions of the local government unit: 1) The implementation was confusing and unclear which brought about fear and anxiety among the people; 2) The response was delayed and insufficient even in the provision of basic needs like food. The private citizens took the initiative, and concrete actions were made because the LGU was very slow; 3) Little was done to create public awareness and education on this virus, especially for the poorest sectors who have no access to the Internet; 4) There was too much politicking that hampered the swift response to the crisis; 5) Allegations of corruption were rife even in the face of an emergency; 6) Our leaders do not seem united in addressing this crisis. My suggestions: 1) STOP politicking, corruption, blame game, fake news; 2) LOOK at the situation with facts and scientific data to address the situation in a more effective and proactive manner. Look at how other cities are solving the problem, and be humble to emulate their strategies. This is not a competition or a moment to campaign for one’s political career but a state of emergency where people deserve the best service, care, and protection; 3) LISTEN to the health care experts, and work with them because they have brilliant ideas since this is their field of expertise. Listen to the cries of those who are directly hit by the consequences of the crisis, like the daily wage earners, and provide their needs. Listen to the Negrenses, and have their interests in mind over personal agenda. Listen and provide for the needs of our frontliners and the hospitals until the end of this crisis — not only limited to a certain time. Action over words. — E.P.V.
I personally think too much politics is involved in trying to manage this pandemic. The local government unit should focus its resources on mass testing, and quickly isolating CoViD suspects. Furthermore, a reliable CoViD Center must be put in place to decongest the hospitals, and save on available personnel and PPEs. In addition, measures should be taken towards the education of key people (those who are in positions of authority) about CoViD: how to recognize symptoms, how to self-isolate, when to go to the hospital, how to protect the home. There should also be measures taken for the lay people to be educated about the new norm because until a vaccine is found, things will never be, and can never be, as they were before. — Doctor’s name withheld upon request
I waited until Friday, May 1 to see how the City would be like under the General Community Quarantine. I know masks are supposedly mandatory outside the home but there should be strict enforcement of that rule. However, I saw on May 1 several people without masks anymore! A good reminder that we can never overemphasize is the need to wear the mask properly: covering the nose and mouth at all times. I saw a lot of people hanging them by their ears only and lowered down to the chin, especially when they were talking. It defeats the purpose of the mask! Physical distancing on May 1 was also not enforced. The people I saw queueing at the barangay hall for their amelioration benefits were standing less than a meter apart. The ATMs were also too crowded, much more than usual during paydays. The concept of setting up mini markets in the barangays is a good one as it helps decongest the public market. But again, I saw a lot of people in the mini markets not wearing masks, nor were they practicing physical distancing. Which stores to open in town during the GCQ should be strictly monitored. We know for a fact that no dine-in is allowed in restaurants and yet, in the morning of May 1, I saw expats lounging in the establishments along the boulevard! Why is this tolerated? I understand salons and similar establishments have already been allowed to open. But since the services they render require a prolonged person-to-person contact, it might be prudent not to allow them yet to be open. It would greatly help the public in terms of physical distancing if online payments for the Water District and for Noreco were made possible to help decongest their crowded office. — Dr. Candace Catacutan, internal medicine-pulmonologist
Let me start with a positive one. The Governor had declared the ECQ relatively earlier than other provinces. In general, the people in the Province followed the ECQ, as there were no major incidences of violations on the part of the people and the duty-bearers. However, there are areas in the CoViD management that need improvement: 1) There should have been an assessment of threats and risks done as early as December 2019. It can be recalled that the Province had a case in November involving a Chinese couple who visited here. From the perspective of risk management, a risk assessment/plan could have been conducted. Probably, we could have done prevention activities easier; 2) The Province should have a testing facility, and a protocol in place. Considering the limited resources, we could make a prioritization list, like the front liners first, their families, those who have history of travel outside the Province; 3) A more systematic Province-wide contact-tracing probably in digital manner; 4) Timely, harmonized, and more humane relief operations. Declaring an ECQ should be implemented in serious consideration of people’s needs; timing is important. Local government units should plan the distribution, considering not only rice, viand, and other needs, but the manner the people will receive them. Making people fall in line for relief goods is not only violative of social distancing rules, but inhumane as well; 5) Support to the front liners for their needs like PPEs, masks, transportation is crucial; 6) A widespread education campaign on CoViD at the community level to get the support of the people. We cannot use a militaristic approach to a public health issue. The content is not only about the virus itself but also on the need to follow rules on quarantine/isolation: wearing of masks, washing of hands more times, remaining calm and well-rested; 7) Provincial health officials should give health updates/bulletins that are clear and simple, and an honest picture of the situation. A good health communicator builds his name on credibility, honesty, and a sincere connection with the people; 8) The Governor and the Mayors of the towns and cities should always communicate their assessments and plans to the people. This will temper the people’s anxiety and restlessness; 9) On a personal note as a mother, I wish the education officials will decide on the opening of classes based on science, and not based on a popularity survey between the PTA and school officials. CoViD is beyond politics. This is about the life of my children and of real people. — N.E.
There’s no perfect solution. But the City government must have done something right in combating CoViD-19. This is proven by the fact that none of our residents was infected by the virus. Neither was there any CoViD-related death among us. Now we’re down to a General Community Quarantine from ECQ. I’m just worried that people are back on the streets as if nothing happened or that there’s no virus. People are forgetting that the fight against CoViD-19 is not over yet. We are not completely safe yet. It was why, in the first place, the City put up checkpoints and required the people to show their Quarantine Passes. The City has now relaxed that policy because the Province declared that we are now on GCQ. But still, the fight is not over. We have stressed the importance of social distancing. But I think many still don’t understand its importance. I believe many fail to realize that to truly defeat the COVID-19 epidemic, they should also start thinking about the welfare of the public. This is not just a fight of the government. This is everyone’s fight. Everybody should do his share in combating COVID-19. Each one should stop thinking about his own convenience because everyone should sacrifice in a time like this. We can have all the convenience we want once this fight is over. The government is doing its best for the people. Everyone should too. — Dumaguete Councilor Michael Bandal, head, Discipline Zone program.
Frankly, I am in a quandary whether to keep my mouth shut, knowing that I can only share my honest opinion as a medical doctor, or to help educate our public. Our situation is indeed sad. Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from New Zealand which has claimed to have eliminated the CoViD virus, and has reported daily of single-digit cases for close to a week now. Of course, they are not as densely-populated as we are but the way they handled the pandemic is remarkable: 1) Massive testing to identify which areas have clusters of the disease; 2) Random testing in public places like supermarkets; 3) Massive and generous roll out of the regular flu vaccines even to visitors/tourists; 4) Diligent tracking and follow up of probable, active, and confirmed cases. Probable cases are given the same attention as confirmed cases; and 5) Clear and consistent advisory same time every single day (even on weekends) from their Prime Minister and their Minister of Health. This way, citizens understand and obey the directives given, and not get information from rumors. Just my two centavos-worth. Keep safe, everyone! — Dr. Susan Micaela Ozoa-Denura, cardiologist
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