Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III, more popularly known as Governor Pacoy guested in the Kapihan sa DMMMSU with members of his team at the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) on March 23, 2021 via FB live.
“Acceptance” is a one word summary of his message to all citizens of La Union as the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt in the province and in the country for a year already. “Only when we can accept the things happening around us that we are able to face the situation and move forward at our best,” said Gov. Pacoy. He said that although La Union was not spared from the crisis, it manifested fortitude to plant seeds of recovery over time and that the cooperation of the citizens to the programs of PGLU is stronger than ever.
He shared how the PGLU implemented various programs and projects to ease the burden of his 𝙠𝙖-𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙨 during this crisis by strengthening its strategy on response, recovery, and local economic development. Among these is the vaccination program which has already inoculated 71% of frontline healthcare workers in La Union, according to Dr. Eduardo Posadas, Provincial Health Officer. He said that senior citizens in the province are next to be vaccinated once the vaccines are available.
Gov. Pacoy stressed the importance of keeping a balance between health protection and tourism advancement. As there are escalating cases of COVID-19 in the province, only tourists from Region 1 and Baguio City are allowed entry to the province until further notice.
He encouraged all citizens of La Union to be patient and stay at home as much as they can in order to “spread love, and not the virus”. “There’s hope and light for better days ahead. Let us pray and commit to God whatever we do. Let us remain steadfast and hold on to hope,” he ended.
Watch the full episode at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=508367830327045.