“PBBM earlier expressed strong support for the rejuvenation of Philippine tourism, beckoning to the world to discover our islands’ fascinating natural wonders and tapestry of cultural heritage.”
Finally, there is a semblance of normalcy as more Filipinos do away with wearing face masks after President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr. made it optional outdoors.
News reports have it that PBBM would soon declare wearing of face masks indoors also optional.
We understand the apprehension of those who prefer to keep wearing face masks compulsory after getting used to it, complying with public health precautions against COVID-19 for over two years.
We understand that we are not “out of the woods” as far as the threat of COVID-19 and its variants is concerned but the Marcos administration will not allow almost half of the country’s families to stay poor, as indicated by a recent Social Weather Stations survey.
We are on our way to economic recovery and revitalization of industries, creation of jobs and start-up businesses, and continuation of infrastructure.
We are aiming to attain upper-middle-class economic stature by 2028, the end of the current administration’s term.
I would like to believe we may have found the balance between observing public health standards and returning to the pre-pandemic mode of activities of daily living. Some would call it the “new normal.”
With the continued rollout of the government’s COVID vaccination program, PBBM has ruled out any more lockdowns, shutdown of businesses and disruption of mass transportation.
I share the President’s enthusiasm about better days to come with the full reopening of the economy and return of our fellow Filipinos to work.
In a message he delivered as guest of honor at Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival last weekend, PBBM said the Filipino resiliency as dramatized by the traditional Negrense festivity will spur the nation’s recovery from the COVID pandemic crisis.
During the massive street dance, MassKara festival’s big smiling masks showcased Bacolod locals’ resilience amid crisis and tragedy, reason they called their hometown the “City of Smiles.”
Thousands of people including tourists trooped to the streets to watch the colorful masked dancers gyrating to the rhythm of Latin musical beat.
PBBM earlier expressed strong support for the rejuvenation of Philippine tourism, beckoning to the world to discover our islands’ fascinating natural wonders and tapestry of cultural heritage.
As we approach the holidays, I would say it was a timely message that PBBM made to reaffirm his call for unity versus the incessant black propaganda by his critics.
The “longest Christmas season in the world” for which Filipinos are known to observe during the “Ber Months” is around the corner, following All Saints Day.
We sure hope and pray the coming holidays will be the way they used to be, simply happy and safe for the Filipino family.