Quezon City, group boost strategies vs COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has partnered with a multisectoral organization to further strengthen its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement with the officials of Kilusang Kontra COVID (KilKoVid) Alliance, a coalition of concerned citizens and organizations that aims to complement local governments’ response to the pandemic.

“We need all the help that we can get in the fight against COVID-19. The assistance offered by the alliance is very much welcome as it will help beef up the efforts of the local government,” Belmonte said. “With us working together, I am confident that we will slowly win this battle.”

The group is headed by former COVID-19 Task Force adviser Tony Leachon and lawyer Dot Gancayco, who sit as chairman and president, respectively of KilKoVid.

Leachon expressed hope that the partnership with the city government would help residents increase their awareness in fighting the virus.

“In this time of crisis, unprecedented in our history, the civil society should step up to the plate to help the government in resolving this problem to give hope, courage and inspiration to the people,” he said.

“Our role is to teach, to heal and to lead with Mayor Joy Belmonte and other partners in this advocacy,” Leachon added.

Under the agreement, KilKoVid will help the city government in its pandemic response strategies by engaging the private sector as partners.

The private sector will also provide livelihood assistance to the residents.

Alliance partners include the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas-Quezon City chapter, Rotary International District 3780, UP Women Lawyers’Circle Inc., Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Philippine College of Physicians-Quezon City chapter, Urban Green Communes and Celebrity Sports Club Inc.

Other partners are the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Quezon City Planning and Development Office and Association of Barangay Captains.