WE’VE heard of virtual meetings so why not virtual flag-raising ceremony?

This was exactly what the local government of Bayambang did when it held its first virtual Monday flag-raising ceremony, possibly the first to be done by a local government unit in the country prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Cezar Quiambao wore a face mask and, led town officials and department heads in the virtual flag-raising ceremony covered live on Facebook and shown on TV monitors positioned in different areas.

A prayer was flashed on the screen before Quiambao and the town officials sang with face masks on, the Philippine national anthem, Pangasinan hymn and Bayambang hymn in succession.

Then, they recited the Panunumpa sa watawat ng Pilipinas and Panunumpa ng mga kawani ng gobyerno (oath to the Philippine flag and oath of government workers).

Reports, aided by audio-visual presentation were made that included the successful conduct of bloodletting activity, strict implementation of social distancing, bayanihan activity of SK officials, regular meetings of the mayor with department heads, the benefit of municipal greenhouse harvest, distribution of relief packs, mobile markets in different barangays, among others.

Municipal Tourism Officer Rafael Saygo, said the traditional flag-raising ceremony, being an expression of Filipinos’ love of God, patriotism and service to people, had to be continued in spite of the COVID-19 crisis that bans public gatherings.

Vice Mayor Raul Sabangan lauded frontliners for their heroic tasks, and urged residents to continue to follow guidelines set in the fight against COVID-19.

In his message,  Quiambao also thanked the frontliners, residents and donors from abroad, who help the local government extend aid to the barangay folk as he added that the holding of the virtual Monday flag-raising ceremony was an opportunity to continue reporting and updating the people of the town’s activities.

Quiambao reminded his constituents to remain vigilant even after the enhanced community quarantine is lifted possibly on May 15. He warned that people will start to return home, and until the vaccine shall have arrived, this COVID crisis would not  end, so we must continue to be cautious.

Quiambao and his wife Niña have recently recovered from COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Bayambang has had no new COVID-19 cases for 34 straight days already as of May 4. (PhilStar Wire Service/ECV)

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