Samsam back to work, asks people’s cooperation

CEBU, Philippines —  Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. has returned to work after recovering from the coronavirus disease.

Gullas though is expected to be back in the City Hall on Monday yet as there is an on-going disinfection of the whole compound.

He appeals to Talisaynons to do their share in the continuing battle against COVID-19 at the same time revive the economy stressing out that this is not just the job of the government, but a shared responsibility with its people.

Gullas was on leave from February 10 until the 24. He got hospitalized after experiencing some symptoms but was already discharged on the 18th though continuing isolation.

He, however, will be returning home later yet as he wants everyone at home to be safe especially that baby Pining, his youngest daughter, is still one-year old.

“I have no more symptoms and have been deemed fit to work by my doctors. But my doctors and I decided, that while I can continue with my daily activities, igka 21 days lang before ko mu uli ni Rhea. Naa man g(u)d bata sa balay,” said Gullas via Facebook.

As of February 23, Talisay City has 202 total active cases after 25 new cases were added.

“I completely agree with all of you. Ang importante karon is how we balance health and economy. How we can help our doctors and nurses who work day and night to keep everyone safe?” said Gullas in response to the call of his constituents to have the economy back on track.

Gullas himself having been survived from COVID-19 saw how the doctors and nurses work and risking their own lives to save others.

In striking a balance within health and economy, Gullas was man enough to admit that the government cannot do it alone.

“Dili namo kaya if kami ra mu-balanse. We can set guidelines and we can implement protocols, but as I always say, the government cannot be in all places at once,” he said.

Gullas took as an example, the ratio of its police officers and the Talisaynons which is 1 is to 2,000.

“It is obviously clear that they cannot be in all places at once to maintain health protocols. We need the help of all citizens to succeed. Government cannot do it alone,” he said.

Gullas said, he knows very well that the Talisaynons want the economy back on track, and that is what he also wants.

“Trust me, kuyog ko ninyo ug ni Gov Gwen (Garcia) when we say we need the economy back on track. Kuyog gyud ko ninyo tanan when we say, no to another lockdown,” added Gullas.

But to be able to move forward, Gullas is asking everyone’s cooperation.

“Mao lang ni akong hangyo kaninyong tanan. The Covid fight is a shared responsibility sa gobyerno ug sa mga katawhan. Shared responsibility kanato ni. With shared responsibility between the government and its citizens, we need to put some things into perspective sad,” Gullas said.

A shared responsibility that is as simple as observing the proper protocols including proper wearing of face mask, social distancing and regular washing of hands, even without any police watching or reprimanding, but very effective in the fight against COVID-19.

Gullas believes it can be done and it should be done, with everyone’s cooperation, Talisay will be able to finally win against Covid-19 and get their lives back to a better situation.

“As your mayor, as a government official, as a citizen, as a father, as a brother and as a friend hangyo gyud ko ninyo tanan, we can only succeed if kita tanan magtinabangay,” added Gullas. — GMR (FREEMAN)