The Bangsamoro region is among the poorest in the Philippines and as the number of COVID-19 cases continuously increase, the disadvantaged families are more exposed to the negative effects of this pandemic. As what Dr. Alicia Macmac, rural health unit officer in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur said, “We are in a different war with COVID-19. This is not like ISIS where we can see the enemy”.
It is during these times of uncertainties where the Filipino resiliency is being tested. The following are some of our countrymen who went beyond the call of duty as published in Unicef Philippines.
Nuriel Haron is a midwife for almost a decade in the BARMM Ministry of Health and works with communities that are mostly in isolated areas. This pandemic has been a challenging one but she will be of service no matter what. It may be risky to herself and to her family, but she couldn’t bear seeing the Bangsamoro people being helpless. “If I don’t do my work, who will? I am an instrument to extend God’s grace through helping others in the area of health. I believe that by doing good to others, it will come back to you a hundred fold,” she said.
Abdul Rauf Lumabao proved that even a young normal citizen can do their part in saving lives during these trying times. Together with his friends, he volunteered to be a part of the checkpoint in their Barangay in Cotabato City. Their role is to check the quarantine passes of people who are passing through their barangay. Rauf initiates discussions on COVID-19 and helps fight fake news by using U-Report, a UNICEF youth engagement tool where young people get and share information on important issues. “Young people have to take this situation seriously. We should instead use the power of social media to challenge stigma, share positivity and make sure that messages about health tips get through. We need to inspire and drive action among the Bangsamoro youth while in home quarantine,” he said.
Ais Abas-Sambolawan is a journalist in the BARMM Bureau of Public Information. Her main task is to ensure that the Bangsamoro people are well informed of the dangers of COVID-19 and how to prevent the virus from spreading. As a mother and a wife, she also worries about the safety of her family whenever she goes home from work. But for her, this is her way of helping the Bangsamoro people. “My role as a writer and journalist in this time of the COVID-19 crisis is crucial. Aside from working round the clock to keep people up today with the status of COVID-19 in the Bangsamoro region and the government’s response to the virus, my life is at risk as I am exposed in the field too,” Ais said.
