Do not let guard down against COVID-19, DILG tells LGUs

DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos .Jr (Photo from Facebook account)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Sunday reminded local government units (LGUs) not to let their guard down in the fight to contain the spread of COVID-19, especially as in-person classes are set to start.

DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. issued the reminder after the DOH on Thursday said that the national COVID-19 positivity rate has jumped to 10.6 percent — double the World Health Organization’s ideal threshold of 5 percent.

“We should not let our guard down because we have an unusual rival here which is the coronavirus disease. Let us remember that our every action has a consequence that not only affects us and our families but the whole country as well,” said Abalos.

He then stressed the importance of ensuring the welfare and safety of Filipino students as the Department of Education (DepEd) gears up for the opening in-person classes for school year 2022 to 2023.

“We must ensure that schools in our areas comply with the government’s health safety standards and COVID-19 prevention mechanisms,” said Abalos.

“I know the road to recovery remains an arduous task. But I am confident that with the cooperation and partnership of our LGUs and national government, we would be able to hurdle this season of hardship and emerge victorious as one Filipino nation,” he added.

As of June 16, the country’s total COVID-19 caseload was at 3,730,545, with 18,990 current active cases, 3,650,914 recoveries and 60,641 deaths.

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