COVID-stricken mayors urge constituents to get vaccinated

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Two Negros Occidental mayors who were infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) urged their respective constituents to get vaccinated.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr.  confirmed that he joined the list of Cadiznons infected by the virus.

“Despite all precautions and strict observance of all safety and health protocols at the office and during official business, I was infected by the virus,” Escalante said.

Escalante said that “It goes without saying that the risk comes with the job description and I am oftentimes required to have face-to-face meetings with people in the interest of public service and good governance.”

He said he is making the public announcement not to cause or stir any alarm, but to give assurance that he has with him the Cadiznon spirit.

Being fully vaccinated, Escalante said “I will prevail over this disease and I am presently recovering well by God’s mercy.”

The mayor advised every Cadiznon to continuously cooperate with government authorities and observe the minimum public health standards.

“Do not grow weary of these protocols as they are designed to protect you and our community,” he said.

Escalante also said COVID-19 vaccines are also being administered in our vaccination sites.

“Thus, I am urging everyone to get vaccinated in order to protect yourselves and your loved ones,” he said.

Meanwhile Silay City Mayor Mark Golez completed Thursday the required 14-day isolation in a private hospital in Bacolod City after testing positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago.

Upon his release from the hospital, Golez said that he will campaign very hard for unvaccinated Silaynons to get the jabs.

“I will tap, encourage and meet with all barangay officials, that they will empower all barangay health workers, to coordinate with the City Health Office for their vaccination.”

He noted that, though, that many volunteered to be vaccinated with Pfizer, rather than Sinovac.

Golez said what is lacking is to educate the people that they should not be selective on the vaccine brands.