MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday reiterated the city government’s commitment to support nationwide efforts to “liberate” Filipinos from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Belmonte led local officials in the flag-raising and short program at the city hall complex to mark the country’s 123rd Independence Day.
“It has been a year since we were held captive by this pandemic affective not just the people in the Philippines but the rest of the world. It has been a year marked by fear and doubts about our future,” she said in Filipino.
“In the midst of all this, your local government continues to fight in order to stop and solve the challenges – from those who got sick to those who lost their jobs and livelihood, those who are needy and those whose futures remain at risk,” she added.
Belmonte urged the public to work together and do their part in ensuring safe and healthy communities.
She said the city government is always willing to listen, accept comments and suggestions and conduct dialogues as part of its decision-making processes to give hope and free everyone from this pandemic.
“We have been fighting for over a year… It will be difficult for us to achieve our desire to be free again if we do not work together,” Belmonte said.
“Regardless if you are rich or poor, woman or man, young or old, what is important is we do our part to ensure health and safety and, above all, work together for the return of a better future and the healing of our nation,” she added.