Are we OK?

We’re still very much in the battle against COVID-19, but our officials seem to be engaging more in political battles.

Filipinos have something to rejoice about if indeed the country’s COVID-19 positivity rate is going down (sans maneuver) and “constantly totaling lower than 5 percent lately.” But what’s the fuss about trifles in this time of the pandemic? For what purpose is Secretary Francisco Duque asking or soliciting words from the World Health Organization to tell us whether “we’re OK” or not? Has it anything to do with image-enhancement or is it connected with the forthcoming election?

Genuine public service is untainted by politics and doesn’t covet recognition – and needs no pat on the back.

Are the “numbers” the Department of Health is reporting/showing not good enough indication that we are doing better now and that we are seeing a brighter future for our people after the devastations and hard knocks we all have experienced as a nation due to COVID-19 for the past nearly two years?

The DOH must have done something right/good to contain the coronavirus in the land and so they may deserve some credit for it. Praise God. But no, Secretary Duque is not seeking “guidance” from WHO when he craves for its update of appraisal of the country’s COVID situation, but praises and accolades from our people – for him and the government.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi – Reni M. Valenzuela, [email protected]