BY MINKA TIANGCO
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III led Thursday an inspection at Divisoria, one of the areas where people flock frequently despite the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Although Domagoso admitted that it would be difficult for them to regulate the number of people going in and out of Divisoria, he vowed that they will continue to enforce government-issued health and safety protocols such as wearing of face masks and face shields, and practicing physical distancing.
He also urged the public to cooperate to prevent an uptick of COVID-19 infections in the city amid the holiday rush. “Ako’y nakikisuyo sa mga manininda. Alam ko gusto niyong makatinda. Alam ko, sa totoo lang, malaki ang kinikita niyo ngayon dahil mas maayos at mas mainam, ngunit kailangan maging responsable rin kayong manininda. Hindi akap nang akap ng lahat, baka maakap niyo may COVID,” he said in his speech.
“Pinipilit gampanan ng pamahalaan ang kanyang tungkulin, obligasyon, at responsibilidad pero bilang mamamayan, mayroon tayong responsibilidad sa ating sarili at sa ating mga mahal sa buhay,” he added.
Earlier, Domagoso encouraged the public to also visit the “Paskuhan sa Maynila” Christmas village at Mehan Garden in Ermita as an alternative venue to do their shopping.
The Paskuhan sa Maynila, which is participated by over 50 exhibitors, is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will run until January 2. (Minka Tiangco)