Valenzuela City Mayor WES Gatchalian shared his thoughts regarding the recent announcement from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco, through the Malacañang Palace, that there will be an executive order at the table declaring that the use of facemask indoor will be voluntary.

This sprung out after the Department of Health (DOH) released a statement that urges the public to “evaluate individual risk” and self-examine, whether it will be much safer for them to remove the facemask while staying indoors. In a statement released by the DOH, it says, “With this freedom to choose, it is therefore important for us to assess our individual risk thoroughly before deciding if it is safe and wise to remove our masks, especially now that the Undas and Christmas seasons are approaching and we expect increased COVID-19 transmission brought about by greater mobility…”

Mayor WES, on the other hand, said in an interview in ‘Headstart’ aired over ANC, that he supports the executive order that is to be released but believes that lifting the mandatory use of facemasks will somehow affect the number of people who come to the vaccination sites to take their booster shots, as it sends them an implication that COVID-19 is not a threat anymore.

“As a Local Chief Executive, of course, I am inning to the side of caution. I agree if it’s voluntary [and] not mandatory, in wearing facemask indoors. But what I’m more worried about, is that the DOH has a standing memo to all LGUs, that in the first 100 days of President BBM, they gave us certain targets. If I’m not mistaken, that’s around 90% of the population [that] should have booster,”

“I’m worried that with this pronouncement, mas lalong wala na pong taong gustong magpa-booster [no one would want to get booster shots anymore],” He added.

The decision of the national government on the lifting of the facemask use seems to cause more problems for the vaccine operations in the city, as it made it more difficult for the local government in encouraging everyone to get booster shots. While it may be recalled that the DOH ordered the Local Government Units (LGUs) to intensify their initiatives in encouraging their constituents in getting shots.

In pursuance of the memorandum issued by the DOH, the Local Government of Valenzuela City, led by Mayor WES, thought of an innovative way in encouraging senior citizens to get booster shots – by giving them gift checks which can be spent at the local supermarket and drugstore in the city.

Although the wearing of facemask would solely depend on the people, DOH still recognizes the risks as it continues to remind everyone to mind their safety at their own risks. Still encouraging everyone to stay watchful, so voluntary use of facemask is implemented.

Meanwhile, the official release of the said executive order has yet to be announced through President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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