Bacolod braces for possible lockdown

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said Wednesday that the city government is preparing for a possible lockdown next week to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

But Familiaran is worried the city may not be able to sustain food assistance to residents for 14 days.

“We don’t have enough financial resources,” Familiaran told reporters here.

He said the city government under Mayor Evelio Leonardia and the provincial government through Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will simultaneously issue executive orders declaring a state of Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Familiaran said the city has a population of more than 600,000 people.

“How can we give everyone food for the two weeks? Honestly, I am apprehensive,” he said.

Once the ECQ is implemented, Familiaran said it will be the responsibility of the barangays to see to it that people stay at home.

Familiaran said the ECQ will most likely start Monday (March 30, 2020).