Davao de Oro: In spite of experiencing fear and uncertainty during an ongoing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, every day, we are reminded that the virus has not only caused so much heartbreak and discord, but it has shown us the very best of humanity.
Not even the dreaded virus can take away the “bayanihan” spirit of the people in the province of Davao de Oro.
Indigenous People (IP) farmers of Araibo, Pantukan shared some of their farm produce to another IP community at Sitio Side 4 Mangayon, Compostela to ensure food availability amid to COVID-19 outbreak. This act of kindness is spearheaded by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
A youth group called Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of different barangays in the province showed their active participation in close coordination with Barangay and Municipal Officials in leading the campaign against the COVID-19 by giving the IEC materials containing the precautionary measures. They also encourage the public to stay at home as part of the province have been placed under lockdown or enhanced community quarantine in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.
Lauding their part of implementing the installed improvised wheel baths in all entrance and exit points of the barangays to ensure that all vehicles both public and private shall be disinfected prior to its entrance in the barangay vicinity.
Compostela Valley State College (CVSC) through its Research, Development and Extension Office produces 100 gallons of Disinfecting Solutions, 725 Face Shields, and 1500 Face Masks for the frontliners.
Several individuals from both government and private sectors allotted budget drive to purchase Vitamin C and alcohol for distribution to those families in need and initiate distribution of snacks to all security officers in the province and providing bright and colorful Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to hospital and municipal frontliners. It was their way of showing gratitude to the frontliners they’ve dubbed as COVID-19 warriors.
The local government employees also exerted their efforts in making improvised face shields and face masks among its shortage. This is to ensure frontliners battling the spread of the virus outbreak in the area are well-protected and even as they can go home to their families safely.
At the provincial government, a 9 o’clock and 3 0’clock prayers were also offered through an intercom. In addition, the Provincial Spiritual Development and Values Restoration Program also have a regular episode on Serbisyo Oro Mismo Neteleradio, seen live on its official FB page, hook up at various radio stations and aired Live at a local cable TV.
These heartwarming stories of triumph over adversity, the small acts of kindness which reminds us that people are truly good even in times of challenges and whatever circumstances that may happen. The Dabawenyos exemplified once again the “bayanihan” spirit. (Rheafe Hortizano, ID Davao de Oro)