Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. ALBERT ALCAIN/Presidential Photo
MANILA, Philippines — As the country celebrates Holy Week, Filipinos should use this time to reflect and let it guide them to act with love, hope, and compassion as the Philippines faces several challenges, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Thursday.
“May the Lenten period be a time of reflection and may its essence guide us to act with love, hope, and compassion towards others as we collectively endure the present challenges,” he said in a statement.
“May it further inspire us to persevere with faith and peace in our hearts, and to help bring significant changes in our society, especially as we continue recovering from this pandemic,” he added.
He also urged people to continue observing health and safety protocols against the coronavirus, reminding those in areas under enhanced community quarantine to stay in their homes.
“Let us continue to observe the health and safety protocols to protect ourselves from the virus, and ensure our safety and those of our loved ones,” Andanar said.
“We also ask those in the areas that have been placed under ECQ to stay at home as religious gatherings have been prohibited and to adhere to the 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew hours,” he added.
Andanar earlier announced that he has tested positive for the coronavirus and was placed on home quarantine.
He quashed rumors that he violated travel restrictions, saying he would “never jeopardize the well-being of others.”
Due to the alarming exponential increase of daily COVID-19 cases in the country, the government had to place Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Bulacan and Laguna under a one-week ECQ until April 4.