Bacolod SP backs appeal to resume religious services

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod here supported the call of Mayor Evelio Leonardia to the National Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (NIATF) to allow religious services subject to minimum health rules.

In a resolution, the SP requested the NIATF to allow religious gatherings such as masses and worship prayer services provided they only allow 50 percent of the venue’s capacity.

The resolution said that religious leaders and the faithful in Bacolod lament the policy of the NIATF which considers as non-essential the congregated worship of God, but discriminately equates the same with entertainment activities and sports.

“The fear and dread of COVID-19 has not only bled our national economy but seems to have terribly blurred our vision on the eternal and sovereign God who alone in His power, mercy and grace, can stop COVID-19,” the resolution said.

The SP resolution cited that NIATF rules are relaxed for areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) where public gatherings such as movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, other entertainment activities, community assemblies, religious gatherings, and non-essential work gatherings are allowed provided that participants should be limited to 50 percent of the venue or seating capacity.

Religious gatherings and congregational worships may be effectively performed with the strict observance of health protocols which include, among others, proper wearing of face masks and social distancing, it said.

“It is in crisis moments like this that we are able to be drawn closer as individuals, family and nation to the Almighty One who is our only absolute and ultimate refuge, safety and healing,” it added.

The SP resolution authored by Councilor Renecito Novero pointed out that until the NIATF decides on its request and while Bacolod is under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), the restrictions on religious gatherings will be observed.

Based on the May 15 guidelines issued by the NIATF, religious gatherings are allowed with attendance up to a maximum of 10 persons in areas under GCQ.