Anticipating the New Normal after GCQ

The President has announced through his spokesperson Harry Roque the lifting of the Enhanched/Extreme Community Quarantine over Bicol Region, and has made effective what is now called as General Community Quarantine, supposedly to take effect after April 30 and to last up to May 15. Under this new set-up, persons are now allowed to go out of their houses and do the usual shopping for their essential family needs, except those who are under 21, 60 and above, and those who are immuno-compromised because of certain health conditions. Almost back to normal, one can say optimistically, except for certain limitations. Quarantine rules remain the same, such as the continuous wearing of face masks, proper personal hygiene and the maintenance of social distance. Our recent experience in our desire to prevent the spread of Covid-19 has given us many important lessons in life. Amidst the challenging times, we have learned to care less about ourselves and more about our neighbor, as when we extended food, grocery items and other material needs to them. We gave support and inspiration to our nurses and medical personnel, policemen, and those whom we considered as our frontliners. Local governments, including ours here in Naga City, have shown us how brilliantly they can rise up to the challenge of Covid-19. All the acts of humanity we have seen have made us realize that love for others is a basic human instinct that reaches beyond all barriers. Indeed, it is God-given more than anything else! Whatever happens after this GCQ, may these wonderful things become continuously part of our new normal, COVID or no COVID!

TRIVIA:

Greetings to former Congressman Salvio “Sal” Fortuno and incumbent Congresswoman of the 5th District of Camarines Sur Jocelyn Faustino-Fortuno who are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary as we write this column this 29th day of April.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

“THE BIGGEST THING IN TODAY’S SORROW IS THE MEMORY OF YESTERDAY’S JOY.” KAHLIL GIBRAN

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“WHENEVER I LAY DOWN AND SLEPT, THE LORD PRESERVED ME TO RISE AGAIN;” PSALM 31:10