Three more days and then it will be January 20. It will be the feastday of St. Sebastian, patron saint of Bacolod City. As far as I can remember, this day has always been celebrated, not only by Catholics, but by the city itself as a special date in the calendar. Now I wonder if the usual church activities, like the high mass at the cathedral named after him and the afternoon procession will still be held, with the same massing of devotees who used to fill the cathedral and join the long procession that follows in the afternoon. I hope so, because it can still be done by observing physical distancing. I hope Bacolod residents will remember to pray to their patron for protection against the raging virus that is still going on.
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But the latest topic in the news and among people worldwide continues to be the still unconquered pandemic caused by the virus from the city called Wuhan in China, that has puzzled medical experts with its uncontrollable spread. Lately, however, hope has been springing in people’s hearts because of the discoveries of vaccines that seem to be successful in controlling it. However, it is not yet available to all countries, and one wonders how fast manufacturers can produce enough to reach the entire world population. Reports say our President is negotiating for its purchase but whether it will be available is still in question.
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At first reports said two doses of the vaccine are necessary for it to be effective. Lately, however, another one that is supposed to take effect with just one dose has been discovered. But how fast can the producers supply world population with them? Shouldn’t they be sharing the formula with other countries to prevent further infections and deaths? My only source of information these days is the TV and I have not yet seen any news about the chances of procuring the vaccine, and enough of it for our population. I have also not seen any statistics on cases in our country so far.
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Other countries, especially the United States, have very good tracking records of cases. The latest I got from the Unites States is that it had 233 million infections, but that was as of yesterday yet. I understand they are now going for mass vaccination, especially with the report that that their country has recorded, as of this week, no less than 233 million infections! Is our Health Department as updated as that? Meanwhile, let us join our city and provincial officials in praying that we will be spared from the onset of this new variant of the COVID that has hit other countries. Let’s include that in our prayers to our patron saint on Wednesday next week.
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The latest I heard from the U.S. about their politics is that 150 people have been arrested for joining that riot that stormed the White House. Ah, they do not know how to use “People Power” the way Pinoys do. Remember how we drove away a dictator without blood or a single shot fired? That surely was a model for the use of People Power, and it originated in the Philippines. We managed to drive away a tyrant just by massing together, and I can’t think of any other country that has done that!
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But what is most interesting development is the world of sports is that some of the world’s top athletes have been stricken by the COVID. What about the NBA games that are so much anticipated by sports lovers all over the world? Will they take place this year? Maybe they will, since the news coming from that sector tells about exchanges of athletes and boxing matches are still being shown on TV. Maybe those athletes have undergone vaccination? By the way, they say that being vaccinated is not entirely painless, but considering the protection it can give you, go ahead and take it and just say “Ouch!”
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I heard that our Senate is now taking up the subject of the vaccination program to be adopted for the country. Well, that is good to hear, but I hope they don’t take too much time making speeches or arguing on the whys and hows for adopting it that our mortality rate could have increased by the time they agree on the processes. This is an emergency, so let them be aware that long-winded, self-promoting oratory will not drive the COVID away. Let us see what today’s news will tell us.
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I am happy to note that our towns and cities in Negros Occidental are taking the COVID matter very seriously and our people are assured that they are doing their best to avail of all means to prevent the spread of the virus among their constituents. Indeed, it is a deadly disease, but with proper medication and care, many have already survived it. But we need the cooperation of everyone to protect ourselves, so let us not be stubborn about obeying regulations for our own safety.*
