BACOLOD City – The municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental deployed health enforcers as part of its initiatives to remain free of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The town, dubbed as the province’s summer capital, has not recorded a single active case since Nov. 20 after all its 11 patients recovered.
Mayor Laurence Marxlen de la Cruz said the municipality has been on “defensive mode” since lifting the border control on Oct. 16 as Negros Occidental remains under modified general community quarantine.
“Our health enforcers observe restaurants, coffee shops, and other tourist establishments to see if people adhere to minimum health safety requirements,” de la Cruz said.
Those deployed include personnel of the municipal health office and municipal disaster risk reduction and management office, supported by members of the Sangguniang Kabataan.
The health enforcers keep watch, especially on weekends when riders and excursionists would usually visit the municipality, which is a little more than an hour’s drive from Bacolod.
“We had the lowest COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental. Sometimes, we say we are glad because this is a result of our efforts. However, many people also come here,” de la Cruz added.
He said if they continue to impose border control, the local economy would suffer as many residents will lose their means of livelihood.
De la Cruz said local chief executives like him are challenged to find the balance between protecting the health of the people and saving the economy.
In a Facebook post, he thanked his constituents, barangay officials, health and social welfare workers, disaster personnel, police and fire units, and other front-liners for their cooperation.
“Now that we have zero case, please always bear in mind that still, we have to be vigilant, resilient, and compassionate at all times,” de la Cruz said. (With a report from PNA/PN)
