Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas called on all Ilonggos to help one another as the city faces another two weeks of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“I am appealing to those who can afford to give. Please support your barangays. Whatever you can give, I appeal to you to help your own barangay. Many are affected due to the effects of COVID and the quarantine status. Please help your community. The city will continue to help out, but we all know it can never be enough. It is the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ that will get us through this. Let the Ilonggo spirit of binuligay or helping one another come out very strong in this pandemic,” Treñas stressed.

At the height of pandemic last year, giving back has been instrumental in creating positive impacts, from initiatives of individuals to institutions, extending and sharing their resources to those in need.

Treñas thanked donors and big businesses for providing relief goods to quarantined families.

Donations received from private and business groups and individuals are a big help to sustain the needs of those under home quarantine, he added.

Meanwhile, the city government has decided to ease off restrictions despite the extended MECQ until June 30.

Starting yesterday, border controls were lifted along with the travel passes. No more travel moratorium between Negros Island and Iloilo City.

Non-essential establishments except personal care services also reopened at 30 percent capacity.

But vulnerable sectors are still not allowed to go out of their houses. These include those 65 year old and above, those below 18 years old, pregnant women, persons with comorbidities and disabilities, except when securing essential goods and services./WDJ