AFTER the feared surge of the COVID-19 pandemic did not happen during and after the May 2022 elections, the next test is in the observance of the UNDAS when people are more carefree and there are less restrictions imposed on the public.

If no surge again happens, then it’s “green-and-go” for Christmas merrymaking and yuletide celebration in the province this year! But that still remains a big “if” until another assessment of the pandemic is completed after this period.

While the decision of some towns and cities to continue with strict compliance with the health protocol, particularly wearing of face masks and compliance with minimum vaccination requirements, these perhaps can be viewed as overreacting. But on a positive note, residents should view these as mere reminders to continue to be cautious about need to protect one’s self.

It’s another way of interpreting “Prevention is better than cure.”

But if the signs in the aftermath show that all’s well in the village, then our elected local government leaders must do all to help national efforts in revitalizing local economy. In the same breath, our barangay leaders remain vigilant, on the lookout for the enemies and scourge of social, family life – the proliferation of the drug trade, wanton destruction and  the degradation of the communities’ natural environment that risk quality of life of families.

As our towns and cities move with the New Normal, it presumes we realize that there are lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that must not be forgotten – separation and isolation of families, limited physical and social movements, severe economic losses and jobs, etc.

It’s, indeed, time to move on with the New Normal.

 

Calling kamote

KAMOTE, the modest root crop, is now being considered as a supplement to rice in our meals.  Why not?  With rice still being heavily imported from Thailand and Vietnam, it’s about time we tapped other substitutes for it to soften the impact of perennial rice shortage that continues to bedevil the country.  And kamote comes in handy, what with its ready availability nationwide.  The government must take the lead by granting subsidies to kamote planters for the crop to grow all across the archipelago. Its fiber content is healthy even as the kamote, unlike rice, is found to not thoroughly transform into sugar when taken, which is good for diabetics.   Kamote, in tandem with rice, has been popular for the longest time in Taiwan, where most restaurants serve rice mixed with kamote, usually the sweet yellow variety.

All the administration has got to do is to have the firm resolve to have kamote propagated—with conviction.

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