A Town's Mom

Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos shares how they are taking care of each other during the Covid-19 crisis

- Jessica Pag-Iwayan

In the Philippines, the National Capital Region has the highest number of Covid-19 positive cases. This is a tough challenge for every town’s mayor to protect the welfare of their constituents.

In Mandaluyong, to combat the pandemic, Mayor Menchie Abalos has infused the LGU’s initiatives with her motherly love to let her people know that their government truly cares for them, and that they are not alone in this crisis. In a conversation with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, she shares how the city is fighting this pandemic and how they are protecting their frontliners.

Optimal care for frontliners

According to Mayor Menchie, even before the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the local government had had meetings to discuss how they would handle the crisis. Those critical meetings resulted in comprehensive action plans.

Keeping in mind that medical workers are front and center in this war, the Mandaluyong LGU is making sure they are provided with adequate medical gears. “Since the frontliners, particularly those in the medical field, play the most important role in ensuring the wellbeing of persons afflicted with the disease, we ensure that they are provided with optimal care, such as PPEs and all the necessary equipment,” she says. “Transport service to and from hospital utilizing private service vehicles is provided for medical staff, whether working within or outside of the city.”

The town also offers free accommodation for the frontliners. To make sure they won’t be victims of stigma because of this deadly virus, Mandaluyong also passed an ordinance that would protect them against any form of harassment.