The earth is moving. What is this a sign of? The other day earthquakes were reported in Mindanao, especially in General Santos, Cotabato and the Socsargen area. And there were no tiny movements, they were reported to be at Magnitude 6.2, which must have been scary to the residents of those places. Are these signs a prelude to a Merry Christmas? Let’s hope they will be the last calamity we will have to deal with before the blessed day of the birth of our Lord comes.
***
But a disturbing piece of news is that the Communist Party of the Philippines, or CPP, has announced that it will not declare a ceasefire during the holiday season. So it will not matter if our own military had plans to declare one, because they cannot just stand aside if the rebels challenge them, or initiate an encounter. This is another proof that they are, indeed, Godless, because even in this holy season of the year, they are not thinking of the Christmas message of “Peace on earth and goodwill to men”.
***
But the talk of the town, especially in medical circles is the possibility of introducing the vaccine against the COVID 19 to our country. As it is, I know of many who have doubts about undergoing vaccination, especially because the ones said to be available to us are both from China. Well, China is where this plague came from, and it is very likely that they would be the ones trying hard to find an antidote to it. But are our people ready to accept it? Most of the people I know have expressed hesitance about doing so.
***
The names alone confirm that they were produced and made in China. One is called Sino-pharm and the other Sinovac. Of course we know what “Sino” stands for. But, really, if there is enough proof that they work, why can’t we accept them? Have our own medical people and scientists concocted a vaccine themselves? But is it true that only 30 percent of Filipinos are agreeable to accept such vaccines? And is there any sign of a cure for this ailment that has sprung upon us just before Christmas? May a cure for it be the wish we should pray for from the Child Jesus during His birthday.
***
This a reminder for all those who until now, seem to abhor the wearing of masks and face shields. I know that in our city, such have been made mandatory, and those who do not cooperate could be arrested. It will put the fear of God among those in other localities who continue to flaunt the directives, and even the COVID expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has confirmed that the wearing of such items has greatly lessened the victims and fatalities from the COVID.
***
In Bacolod one could get arrested for showing up in public maskless. I don’t have statistics on the number arrested, but I believe they must be few, because practically everyone you see in the streets and shops is wearing one. As for those complaining about being arrested for disobeying the rules, the police should tell them, like a parent chastising a wayward child, “This is for your own good”. And in the case of the COVID disease, it will also be for the good of others whom the unmasked one may encounter, because this virus is very highly transmissible. If you don’t care for yourself, think about your family and other loved ones you might infect.
***
From the reports coming out on TV, vaccines from China, and possibly from other countries, may arrive in our country soon. I know a lot of people who are hesitant about getting it, but they probably haven’t heard that a 109-year-old woman in Spain was the first to get vaccinated and survived it! But what disturbed me was the mention that the China-made vaccines work best with those who are “racially similar”. Now what does that mean? Will it work well only with those who have Chinese blood, or look Chinese?
***
That would mean neither I, nor the members of my family, – my lone sister and seven brothers – would not have qualified, or be saved by it. By the way, the same report underscored the fact that there are few COVID victims in China. But that was where it came from! How come the United States is one of the hardest hit? Could it be because of the multi-racial mix of its citizens, if so, what “racial similarity” is there? Truly, this coronavirus is one thing that has remained mysterious until now. Let us hope the new year will bring further discoveries about it, and how to conquer it. AMEN.*
