05/05/2020
Stay at home Lang,ayaw ta kumpiyansa..🤫
: Governor Roel Degamo clarified on Tuesday that while there are zero active COVID-19 cases in the province, Negros Oriental is NOT COVID-19-free. He said this through a statement on his official page. | via Raffy Cabristante, 106.3 Yes The Best News Editor
Here's his statement in full:
"Let us continue our battle against COVID-19"
Yes we are happy that all batches of Negros Oriental swab tests return negative, this does not mean we are COVID-free. No nation in the world will tell you that they are COVID-free UNLESS the entire WORLD totally eliminated the virus. This would take time. It has been a call to do mass testing. To further inform everyone, we already applied for NOPH to be one of the testing centers in Central Visayas, we are just waiting for the DOH/RITM approval. SUMC is also applying and awaiting for accreditation.
Yesterday, on my way to the meeting about GCQ concerns in Negros Oriental, I have seen the crowding in public of people and the enormous traffic both by residents and non-residents in Dumaguete City. The Guidelines from the National is not perfect and adaptable. Even Harry Roque and DILG Secretary Año have different views on it; that is why we always meet to discuss the latest developments from the National Government.
The Provincial Executive Order is the fundamental guidelines for all cities and municipalities. The 25 LGUs in the province, your mayors and Sangguniang Bayan, can add supplementary provisions to it depending on the current situation within their jurisdiction. For example, Dumaguete may add provisions, since it has a large population and the center of commerce of the province. While Canlaon can completely adopt the EO of the province.
We cannot interfere with your LGUs decision and thats the purpose why you elected your City officials - the Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilors. They have their autonomy to run your city and municipality in congruence with the provincial mandate.
We are not yet done with the battle, even the world is not too. I am calling all City and Municipality officials to be responsible, proactive and take actions immediately if there are concerns. I am also calling All Negrenses to follow the policies not only from the Province as well as your LGU policies. We, from the provincial government are doing our part and trying our best everyday to make sure no person here inside Negros Island gets infected until the World is COVID-FREE. Let us unite and please do your part as we combat this pandemic.
In GOD We Trust.
Governor Roel Degamo
