Davao de Oro: As the human race continues to fight this dreaded disease, another battle against stigma unfolds as some chose to discriminate others who were associated with the virus, but the golden province of Davao de Oro continues to fight in the spirit of “Bayanihan” and unity among its constituents.
Confirmed, probable and suspects of COVID-19 including our health workers and other front-liners were discriminated by others. Various reports of discrimination includes eviction from their homes, declined service in public transportation, markets, eateries, oppression due to fear of acquiring the infection and some were avoided from their place of origination.
As Davao de Oro prioritizes the good of all its constituents, the provincial government issued the Provincial Ordinance No. 68-2020. The ordinance is known as “Anti-Covid 19 Discrimination Ordinance of the Province of Davao de Oro” which will combat the widespread stigmatization on the basis of one’s medical condition and profession.
Bringing the entire province to its peak for years, the Provincial Government sees to it that normalcy and order will be brought to its land amidst the emerging crisis as well as protection of its constituents from unjust discrimination from fear and panic by the public.
The Ordinance covers the protection of all front-liners and individuals who were Covid-patients that have recovered or the former PUIs and PUMs from acts of harassment, violence and discrimination; denying access to public services, programs, and facilities; denying access or admission to medical and other health services as well as private and public establishments and transportation services that are open for the general public. They are also protected from utterance and slanderous online post that provoke discrimination as well as physical and verbal harassment.
Individuals who were associated with the disease such as PUIs and PUMs together with probable, suspected and positive cases were also protected from discrimination and harassment and from unauthorized disclosure of their personal information to the public in any means. Respective families of these individuals were also protected in any forms of discrimination and harassment.
“Importante nga proteksyonan nato ang atuang mga front-liners, so naghimo kita pinaagi sa Provincial Ordinance No. 68 ug usa ka ordinansa nga gipasa sa atuang Sanggunian, diin nagabawal kita sa any act of discrimination sa atuang mga frontliners. Gina-dili pod nato ang pagbiay-biay including na gani sa mga discrimination acts sa mga probable, suspects, PUMS, PUIs ug positive nga na cleared from any medical authorities. Ginadili pod nato ang pag discriminate sa ilaha,” said Vice-Governor Maria Carmen Zamora.
A fine ranging from Three Thousand Pesos (Php 3,000) to Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000) will be imposed to persons who will commit any of the acts and/or imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, or both, at the discretion of the court.(Jasteen Abella, ID DAVAO DE ORO)