LUCENA CITY— Saying he firmly believes that the re-imposition of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) is not commensurate with recent developments in their fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19), the mayor of this city appeals for a moderate or lighter status.

In his letter to Dir. Ariel Iglesia, regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for Calabarzon, City Mayor Roderick Alcala humbly appealed that the city be placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

The regional Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) has recommended the extension of the MECQ status of this city until July 15.

“The imposition of MECQ will drastically be inimical to our economy and the livelihood of our people, considering that Lucena City is an economic hub and the only highly urbanized city in Calabarzon region,”said Alcala.

Prior to the imposition of MECQ, Alcala said the city government has already enhanced its Prevent- Detect- Isolate- Treat- Reintegrate (PDITR) strategies to lessen the risk, such as 1. Active information education campaigns through various platforms, 2. Installation of more than 600 Covid marshalls in 33 barangays to implement City Ordinance 2729, 3. Conduct of coordination meetings with various sectors and national government agencies, 4. Estanlishment of quarantine control points in 4 major areas and 1 coastal village with beach resorts, 5. Issuance of travel pass thru S- Pass to restrict movement of persons, 6. Aggressive testing to the 3rd level of contact traced, 7. Opened additional Isolation Facility at Hillside Hotel, 8. Improved hospital referral system, 9. Activate 24- hour tele- cinsultation service of the City Health Office, and 10. Distributed agricultural inputs and established community gardens to ensure food security.

Aside from Alcala, other city officials were also surprised with the sudden change of status from MGCQ to MECQ because this city has only 237 active COVID- 19 cases.

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Gemi Formaran