AMID the rising positivity rate in some areas, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go who is the Chair of the Committee on Health, continues to encourage the public to wear masks when possible especially in public areas as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, even though face mask use has become voluntary.

In an ambush interview after visiting struggling residents in Cavite City on Wednesday, May 3, Go emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in protecting oneself and others, urging citizens to take the initiative and wear masks even without mandatory policies in place.

“Sa ngayon po, voluntary na lang po ang pagsusuot (ng masks). Bagama’t voluntary, ako po ay nananawagan sa mga kababayan natin na kung hindi naman sagabal… mag-face mask pa rin tayo,” said Go.

“Kung mahal natin ang ating mga kamag-anak, mahal natin ang ating mga kababayan, mag-face mask tayo kung hindi sagabal sa inyo,” he added.

Furthermore, Go highlighted the significance of love and care for one’s family and community as motivation for continuing to wear masks when not a hindrance.

“Hindi natin alam kung may dala tayong sakit pag-uwi sa pamamahay natin. Kung mahal natin ang ating mga magulang, mga lolo at lola, mas mabuti nang mas protektado tayo para mas maproteksyunan din sila dahil mas delikado kapag sila ang nagkasakit,” Go stressed.

“Halos tatlong taon na tayong nakikipaglaban sa COVID-19 pandemic. Huwag nating sayangin ang ating naging mga sakripisyo kontra rito. Patuloy tayong mag-ingat upang tuluyan na tayong makabangon mula sa krisis,” he added.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases suggested to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the country does not need to reintroduce mask mandates and other pandemic restrictions despite the rising COVID-19 cases.

Department of Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, instead, suggested that Filipinos should wear masks as a precautionary measure.

She also urged the people to increase their tolerance for risk in dealing with COVID-19, saying that it is necessary to change the way people think about the possibility of cases rising and falling in a recurring cycle, as the virus is expected to remain for the foreseeable future.

Previously, Go reminded the public that getting vaccinated is the best protection needed to return to our normal way of life.

“Proven naman po na ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti tayong makabalik sa normal nating pamumuhay. Kapag bakunado ka, mas protektado,” he said.

According to OCTA Research, from April 25 to May 2, the national positivity rate for COVID-19 has experienced a slight increase from 15.2% to 17.1%, while positivity rate for Metro Manila surged from 12.7% to 19.7%.