BALANGA CITY — Catholic priests in Bataan on Thursday voiced strong support to the appeal of local officials for the extension of the enhanced community quarantine until May 31, 2020 to have more time for mass testing on the coronavirus disease.
“The Diocese of Balanga supports and stands with Gov. Albert Garcia in his appeal for Bataan to remain under ECQ. It is a wise decision to test, trace, and treat most of all those infected before lifting ECQ or receding to general community quarantine,” Bishop Ruperto C. Santos said.
Under the diocese that the bishop heads are priests and churches in 11 towns and one city.
President Duterte has announced upon recommendation of the national Inter-Agency Task Force that Bataan is among Central Luzon provinces where ECQ was replaced with GCQ status.
The governor, chair of the provincial IATF, and Bataan mayors, headed by his sister Dinalupihan Mayor Maria Angela Garcia, recommended to the national IATF mass testing prior to ECQ lifting on May 16.
“It is a decisive precautionary measure against mass contamination and preventive action from the second wave,” the prelate said.
He asked the people and officials of Bataan to unite, especially in the two remaining weeks, and work together to win the battle against Covid–19.
“All are affected and impacted. We are all suffering and doing sacrifices. But all together and as one, sufferings are lessened and sacrifices become salvation. Together we lift up and fold our hands to God in prayers,” Santos said.
“And then we lift our hands and open them to help and serve our people. Let us bear the remaining weeks with faith in God and to follow the directives of the provincial government,” the bishop concluded.
