Make a decision to try

Every accomplishment, no matter how big or small, begins with a decision to try. Indeed, missions and goals cannot be achieved if you never attempt to fulfill them.

To many, this may sound like a statment of the obvious, but this plain observation is often magnified in reality. How many times have we been “beaten before the fight has begun” simply because we were too overwhelmed by the task in front of us? How many of us have seen the phenomenon known as “paralysis by analysis” unfold within organizations, because it is far easier to dissect and discuss a problem rather than to actually work towards solving it?

Every accomplishment begins with a decision to try.

The difference, of course, lies in each individual’s definition of “try.” For some, going through the motions of assigning tasks, allocating a few hours of work and a few periodic updates are enough. On the other hand, there are those who dive into an undertaking with a clear sense of duty and purpose; who see the big picture and recognize that while small wins should be acknowledged, these are merely steps towards an overall objective.

Today, I heard the news that Quezon City exceeded its target of providing at least one vaccine dose to 1.7 million of its residents and workers. While I have had some peripheral involvement in Quezon City’s vaccination effort as an organizer and a volunteer, the scope, logistics and sheer number of moving parts to actually roll it out is simply staggering. After all, QC is the most populous city in the entire Philippines.

Rather than be intimidated by it, however, Mayor Joy Belmonte not only made a decision to try to solve the problem, she attacked it head-on. Accordingly, based on the most recent data, the QCProtekTodo Vaccination Program has inoculated a total of 1,701,211 QCitizens, which is a little over 80 percent of its adult population. More than half of these individuals (844,149) are classified as fully vaccinated.

“Every LGU in the country was confronted by an enormous challenge, since this pandemic is really unprecedented. For QC, these challenges are scaled up considerably, due to the number of people under our care and custodianship,” Belmonte noted.

“The thing about big challenges is that they require big hearts, big sacrifices and big efforts in order to overcome them. Fortunately, we have an overflow of these in QC, and I am so humbled by the selflessness and support that I have personally witnessed from countless people,” she added.

In particular, the seemingly tireless Mayor commended the Quezon City vaccination team composed of health workers, local government and barangay staff, volunteers and active vaccination partners such as malls, homeowners’ associations, businesses, churches, universities, among others. “Without the dedication of our whole vaccination team and our partners, we would not have achieved this number in so little time, considering the big target we set for ourselves. For their invaluable support, we are truly grateful on behalf of our QCitizens.”

While navigating through the constraints of various lockdowns, the city’s vaccination program ramped up in the past few months, to ensure that all eligible members of the A1-A5 priority groups will have access to the vaccines. Despite this recent milestone, it is no surprise that the QC LGU will not rest on its laurels. “I often remind Joseph (QC Task Force Vax to Normal co-chair Joseph Juico) that the name of his Task Force is intentional, significant and aspirational. A return to normalcy is our ultimate goal, and vaccination is a fundamental part of this,” Belmonte emphasized.

To end our brief chat, I asked Mayor Joy how long she would try to bring about this return to normalcy. She gave me a one word answer before rushing off to review the day’s vaccination activities.

“Until.”