Let’s wait for it with bated breaths. I am referring to the SONA, or State of the Nation Address, that President Duterte will deliver on July 27. That is about 10 days from now. How does our President view the state of our country now? What does he think of his having the problem or misfortune to be in power when this horrible plague came to disturb, not the peace, but the health condition of people worldwide?
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But I am sorry I will miss the SONA affair this time. For some years now, I’ve had the opportunity to attend this important event in the presidency that gathers all the country’s top officials, the members of the diplomatic corps, the top business tycoons of the country and also provincial and city officials who may get invited. But, between us girls, one of the most interesting for me in the SONAs is watching the lady politicians and the wives of the officials who come to the affair as if they were going to a grand ball!
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Of course there are strict receptions, where everybody must toe the line and settle where one one’s position calls for. As mere guests, however, we usually land in what we call the “balcony” but where, I think, there is a better view of what is going on. I am really sorry to miss this one, especially with the present state of all other nations now. But, I guess we will have to make do with TV this time. But I sure will miss the excitement of waiting and watching the “fashion exhibition”, and the anticipation of the President’s arrival as his helicopter touches down behind the building. It is quite a show, you know.
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What will President Rodrigo Duterte concentrate on in his much-awaited report to the nation? For sure he will report on the effects of the coronavirus disease that has decimated the population, not only of our country, but of many others. For that matter, it is my personal belief that we are doing better than several other countries in keeping the virus at bay. Our people have been more obedient in following requirements, like wearing of masks and social distancing, which is not the case with several other countries who have found out, to their dismay, how much such requirements could have helped them.
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But sometimes, I like to play the game of Pollyanna, the storybook girl who found something to be glad about in everything that happens, I say that we are far more blessed than other countries and people, as this pandemic has shown. Look at the United States, with all its wealth and resources, that does not seem to be getting anywhere as far as this COVID thing is concerned. I noted it has only been recently that some states and cities began requiring the use of protective coverings like the simple and inexpensive masks, whereas our own Pinoys quicky adopted it without question.
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Another proof of the saying that “Necessity is the mother of invention” is the recent invention and use of robots by a hospital in Shanghai. Just imagine how much manpower can be saved for other uses with robots delivering medicines, equipment and other needs of patients all day long. Imagine also the number of nurses and medical aides spared from trotting up and down hospital corridors pushing carts of medicines and other necessities for their patients. Will the day also come when robots will perform operations?
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But aren’t you glad that our city, Bacolod, and twin provinces Negros Occidental and Oriental have been tagged by Malacañang as Local government units of “Medium risk”? That state of affairs is supposed to last until the end of this month, and it is a credit to both our officials and our people for the way they have wholeheartedly observed all the requirements and precautions being advised. Could it be that Cebu, that is said to be hard hit by the pandemic, had not been taking them seriously? But there are reports that the infections there were brought by returning overseas workers. I hope that with the focus on it by our Health Department , recoveries will increase soon.
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But Hongkong has been reported to have entered a second wave of infections. This is very bad for a place that relies so much on tourism, but, aside from the COVID, it is also chafing under the new regulations being imposed by China on them. Meanwhile an outbreak of the virus has come up in an American military base in Okinawa and the Japanese people there are blaming the Americans for bringing the virus to them. I hope such finger-pointing will not trigger another world war that could reduce populations in a more cruel manner than a virus.*
