Iloilo City Illuminates Amidst Coronavirus Darkness

Coronavirus has swept the whole world and our country is currently getting hit hard. Maybe even harder in the coming weeks.

Cities and provinces in Luzon area are now scrambling for some sense governance and organization as the ‘lockdown’ is being enforced.
Basically, all of the Philippines especially the major metropolitan areas are in a state of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Country in Chaos, Fear, and Anxiety

It is expected for citizens to panic. The modern world has never faced something like this, not at this scale and degree of fatality. Filipinos, although resilient, are no different. They are not only afraid of the virus but alas many are also afraid of the solution.

The Philippines is not a rich country and many of its people rely on their daily earnings. The ‘lockdown’ — which is a universally accepted solution — unfortunately deprives these people from ‘living’.

A dilemma ensues:

“Should I stay home to avoid the virus? Or should I get out there, take my chances, and try to earn some living?”

The CoVid-19 outbreak is a major concern, but so is having something to eat.

Iloilo City Local Goverment to the Rescue

In this time of crisis, a handful of LGUs and communities soar above the rest, and Iloilo is one of those cities that really shines in handling this outbreak. The combination of good governance and community outreach is doing wonders in putting its citizens at ease.

The local government, led by Mayor Jerry Trenas, is transparent in their efforts. It really shows that things are carefully planned and put into action.

This type of governance results in people having faith in their leaders. With that said, Ilonggos are cooperative and rulebound in the middle this crisis.

Recognizing that the whole country is being overwhelmed by the outbreak, Iloilo City government took matters in their own hands — acquired test kits funded by rich Ilonggo families, and collected food and donations for the poor and the frontliners.

These things are made possible by the LGU’s initiative which is quite admirable but this also brings something else to light…

The Ilonggos’ Sense of Community and Compassion

Ilonggo business owners have donated millions of pesos for CoViD-19 test kits. They also donated cash for protective gear and food for the frontliners and those families whose livelihood have been affected by the lockdown.

Before you know it, other better-off Ilonggos follow suit. Wealthy families and companies are donating, and many organizations are initiating their own fundraising activities to chip something in.

Well maybe it’s just delicadeza but this just goes to show that Ilonggos are indeed generous and compassionate people.

Viral in Social Media

As the coronavirus ravages the real world, Iloilo City is becoming a viral sensation in Facebook and Twitter. Netizens are noticing the effectiveness of its local government, effeciency of the city’s system, and the generousity of the Ilonggos.