Chan thanks Oponganons for solidarity vs COVID-19

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan has urged every Oponganon to continue to cooperate in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic while thanking them for their indispensable contributions in making the city what it is today a historic resort city and one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.

In his message during the city’s 60th Charter Day anniversary, Chan said every Oponganon should be given credit for what they have achieved together.

“Through the years, Lapu-Lapu City has carved its name in the global map as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, boasting of its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and scenic underwater dive spots. Gawas niana, usa sa gidagsa sa atong mga turista mao ang atong historical landmarks sama sa Liberty Shrine diin nahitabo ang makasaysayanon nga kadaugan sa Mactan,” Chan said.

The city’s small land area did not prevent it from becoming the gateway to Cebu and the rest of Central Philippines being the host to Mactan Cebu International Airport, the second busiest airport in the country, next to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The mayor said the Charter Day celebration is also a perfect occasion to honor the many institutions and individuals who were successful in their chosen field of endeavors--from the academe, media, sports, arts and culture, politics, and beauty pageants.

As the city faces another challenge because of the pandemic, Chan said the public’s cooperation and solidarity with the city government is very important to weather the crisis.

Chan said the challenge now is how to maintain the momentum and sustain the gains notwithstanding the setback caused by the pandemic.

“Our unity and cooperation will keep us moving forward. Ang susama nga kooperasyon ug pagtambayayong maoy nakatampo og dako sa atong kampanya batok COVID-19,” the mayor said.

Chan said that their simple act of adhering to the health protocols has significantly reduced the COVID-19 cases making the city one of the very first highly urbanized areas to be placed under Modified General Community Quarantine.

 “Mapasalamaton ako sa inyong makanunayon nga kooperasyon kay hangtud karon nagpabilin gihapon nga ubos ang atong kaso sa COVID,” he said.

 The mayor was happy to note that 7,000 of the city constituents have themselves masterlisted for the COVID-19 vaccination program, barely four hours after he made his call last month.

Since then up to yesterday, Chan said there were 102,161 individuals who have masterlisted and 22,274 have been vaccinated.

“Sa dili madugay, hingpit na natong mabuntog si COVID ug mapadayon ang kalambuan nga nasugdan. Angatong padayon nga pagtambayayong ug pagtinabangay maoy yawe aron makab-ot nato ang tingusbawan,” the mayor added.

Chan himself had his second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Sta. Rosa Community Hospital in Olango Island the other day together with the senior citizens.

“Diri ta nagpabakuna kay nakita nato, on the record per barangay, nga diri sa Olango very low ang percentage sa vaccination compared sa mainland,” he said.

 Through his Facebook page, he called all Olango residents to get vaccinated especially that the island is a booming tourist attraction because of the beaches, dive spots and many marine attractions.

“Once they (tourists) know that 70 percent of the population in Olango is already vaccinated, dunay herd immunity, daghan na ang mosud diri, with that safe ang mga bisita ug kita pud mga taga Olango safe pud ta,” the mayor said. — FPL (FREEMAN)