Despite previous backlash received by its local government, Cagayan de Oro City has managed to keep the number of its COVID-19 cases low and contained through various effective measures. These efforts have earned the praises of officials of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19.
On Wednesday, NTF COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. commended the policies that the local government stood firm on implementing, especially on prevention of further spread of infection.
“Very inspiring po ang ginagawa ng mga taga-Cagayan de Oro kasi ang kanyang mga cases kadalasan lang po ay mga importations. Ibig sabihin, galing po sa LSIs at ROFs. At kaya pong ma-manage ang kanilang local transmissions [It’s very inspiring what the people of Cagayan de Oro are doing since of its cases are usually importations. This means infections come from LSIs and ROFs. They can manage their local transmissions as well],” he said.
He also acknowledged the hospitality of the city government in helping its neighbor Iligan City by providing temporary treatment facilities for locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipino workers (ROFs).
“Ang isa pong nakita ko sa COVID-19, ang natutunan po natin dito talaga ang Filipino attitude ng ‘bayanihan’ na ang lahat nagkasama-sama para labanan ang COVID-19 [One thing I have seen in the COVID-19 [pandemic], we have learned the FIlipino attitude of ‘bayanihan,’ coming together to fight against COVID-19],” he added.
As the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region 10 (CORDS X), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar commended the efforts of the local government, “I would like to congratulate Cagayan de Oro, and the rest of Region 10 in their effective management in containing the spread of COVID-19.”
He also enjoined the private sector to work closely with government in the second phase of the national action plan.
