The Observance of Protocol

Will it be one (1) meter, .75 meter, .5 meter or .3 meter? This is raging controversy which has preoccupied our health authorities as the Duterte administration issued an order allowing more passengers in the transport sector in Metro Manila and in hotels, business establishments and other similar offices in the entire country by allowing the .75-meter distance in sitting arrangement which later may be reduced to .5 meter and finally to .3 meter. Health authorities have expressed concern over this decision as they claim that the decision will result in the Covid-19 infections of about 600 persons per day. Indeed, this is a justified concern as it will necessarily increase the rate of pandemic incidence in the country. It may be well and good for the administration to reassess its decision and wait until such time the pandemic has flattened in its curve.

We are now in what has been said as “BER” months but sad to say we will be experiencing a “bare” Christmas season as a consequence of the persisting pandemic. We shall be longing for the usual Christmas parties and, Christmas carolling by young and old near our gates. Nonetheless, whichever you look at it, whether in hope or in desparation, we can console ourselves by the thought that Christmas is in the heart. For every time we extend a helping hand to someone in need, it is Christmas all over again, every time we clothe someone’s back it is Christmas all over again.

Similarly, for the first time in years, we will be missing the Penafrancia celebration this year. Last Friday would have been the traditional “Traslacion” and this coming Saturday and Sunday would have been the Peñafrancia fiesta. By this time, all roads would have been leading to Naga as thousands of devotees of the “INA” have their yearly pilgrimage. By earlier edict of our local church however all activities have been cancelled. This decision of the Church hierarchy is well taken considering that Naga is still under Modefied General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). If at all minus all the trimmings of our usual celebration, our reverence and devotion to our ‘INA’ has even deepened and grown because of this pandemic.

TRIVIA:

The Order of the Knights of Rizal, Naga City Chapter, will have its Induction of 2020 New Set of Officers and Turn-Over of Projects on September 19 at 2:00 o’clock pm. All members are requested to attend in type A uniform. Please wear your face mask and face shield. The distancing protocol of one meter will be strictly observed.

Thru this column I wish to extend in my own behalf and that my spouse Minda and my family our belated most sincere condolence to Congressman Arnie Fuentebella and the entirely Fuentebella family especially Comadring Evelyn Fuentebella for the untimely demise of Comprading Noli Fuentebella. The latter was not only a dear friend but like a brother to me having been long associated with the Fuentebellas when I was a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Sur. It is unfortunate that due to the pandemic I did not have a chance to attend his wake in Partido. Though retirement, age and circumstance kept us apart, rest assured that he will always be in our hearts and prayer. I am sure that Pading Noli is now in the warm embrace of our Lord.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“IT TAKES A LITTLE COURAGE TO CHANGE WHAT IS WRONG THAN TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT.” DURAN

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“FOR IN FIRE GOLD IS TESTED AND WORTHY ME IN THE CRUCIBLE OF HUMILIATION.” SIRACH 2:5