A test of obedience

The enhanced community quarantine and its versions in the various parts of the country is calling for cooperation from all citizens. Noting how simple quarantine measures would not work if people continue to circulate and gather, government has taken more stringent measures to ensure that the Filipinos are protected. And not just the citizens but also those who are sheltered in our country.

Now comes the test of discipline and obedience, a total display of character. If there is one thing that most of us find hard to do it is to be obedient. In fact, obedience is like keeping your hands off your face, it is basic and needed in this time but it is very hard to do.

We are asked to stay home, to keep our distance, and to keep healthy, practicing good sanitation, eating healthy, and resting properly. Considering that ‘til now we have not found the cure for COVID 19, it is incumbent of all Filipinos to take heed of government’s warning and the measures they are instituting. There are many information materials being circulated and media has not been remiss in their warnings.

The knee-jerk reaction is to panic. To hoard, and to gather as many protective implements to keep from being infected when, as the doctors would advise, it is more important to stay at home, and keep our hands and homes clean so the virus would not thrive. 

People spend to store food in their homes, hoping that their supply will suffice for at least a month should a complete lock down be declared. But if the germ spreads, one month may not be enough. So it is best to avoid crowds. Keep social distancing in mind as we strive not to hold our faces and wash out hands as frequently as we can.

In all these time we must cling on the only one who knows what lies in the future and continue to pray. This in fact should be our first resort. Seek His wisdom, His guidance, and His mercy as we continue to ask for protection.

For us in the food manufacturing business, we have long been practicing good manufacturing practices, which to set semantics aside simply means to wash our hands and be well groomed. Keeping our bodies clean as we also maintain our surroundings.

We just have to continue to do our Five S – sweep, sort, systematize, standardize and practice self-discipline. 

When at home quarantine, this would be an opportunity to talk and not chat. To engage with our family members and catch up with each other’s lives, and not get engrossed online.  Of course, for those who are working at home, after the work is done, family time would be nice.  To keep from boredom, look into going back to board games with family where you can play and compete face to face. Again, always taking precaution in keeping your surroundings and selves clean.

Finally, find time to read, meditate and pray. 

My prayers are for all those who are sick. For those who are in the front line. Medical teams, service providers, and those in the transport industry. We pray for those in government, our leaders and workers, who have to implement rules that protect the citizens. And we pray for all those of us who need to do a little sacrifice of obedience to heed the law, and follow what is for the good of all.   God bless everyone.