The dreaded CORONAVIRUS - COVID-19

This post is about my experiences during the implementation of ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) in our local city of Zamboanga, Philippines. 

As we all may have already known, there is a current international pandemic which caused almost the whole world to freeze! Yes, it is the Coronavirus! Just imagine, how can this small virus spread so rapidly around the whole world in a span of just a few months?

I learned about the Coronavirus in the news around early January 2020, when it started slowly infecting people in Wuhan, China. At that time, other countries did not really care so much about it, since it could be just like a simple flu, since the patient would show flu-like symptoms. But then, it would turn into this pneumonia-like disease where the patient would experience difficulty in breathing, with high fever, and diarrhea. It turned out to be a new virus, one that took scientists and doctors by surprise, and nobody has an anti-vaccine for it yet. It is yet to be developed. Then, a few weeks later, it started to spread. 

The Philippines, at first, was hesitant in restraining business, stopping classes, work, and even flights. And even stated that they would not stop flights coming from China, because they are our partner in business, and that they would not like it (citation needed). Until the first death related to the disease was reported. The victim was a Chinese man who recently came from Wuhan, China. 

A few more days later, China's death toll was rising, and other countries' infection rate was getting higher, the Philippines finally decided to ban flights coming from China. But, locally, business was going on as usual. 

In Zamboanga City, the ECQ was implemented at around March. Almost all entry points would have checkpoints. PUV's, PUJ's, Tricycles, were not allowed. Private vehicles were allowed to travel with limited passengers. At first, backride on motorcycles were allowed, as long as the backrider is the spouse, or an immediate family member. However, this was prohibited on a later date.  

It was not until March 24, 2020, that a positive case was reported in Zamboanga City. However, the cases of persons under investigation (PUI) and persons under monitoring (PUM) were much, much higher! It was only until then that the security measures were made even tighter. Curfews were implemented around the city.  

But, people were still free to travel to markets, groceries, and pharmacies, to buy their basic needs and commodities. Because the implementation of Quarantine Passes was not until April 23, 2020, when more and more people were reported positive, if not PUI or PUM. 

Going back... a few days before the Quarantine passes were issued. I was actually the "runner" for the family. On early mornings, I would go to the Flea Market to buy chicken and pork meat, vegetables, and run by the pharmacy for some groceries. If we needed to buy groceries in bulk, I would have to line up at the groceries at 6:30AM just to make sure I get inside first. And take note, the grocery opens at 9:00AM! And 15 mins before that, you'd see a huge line of "Senior Citizens" lining up in a different line! (Wait... aren't Seniors supposed to be staying at home during this trying time??? Duru kabesa sos! mga purpiyaw! hahaha...) My wife also had that same experience, waiting in line at 6:30AM, and she had to do it earlier, since she had to wait for the community ride as early as 6:00AM!!! 

And while doing all these, we had to practice "Social Distancing", which I believe is just a word which many citizens do not understand, and do not practice at all (especially at market places!!! hay senyor!). Wearing of face mask is very, very mandatory. However, some don't even care what type of mask they are wearing, as long as it covers half their faces, without minding the level of protection it provides. Although, we can't really blame them. Face masks have been very scarce in the market, ever since the news of Covid19 started. Just like alcohol! Whew... 

And the people... People are so impatient! Especially when receiving help from the Government. Well, there are times when there has been inconsistencies in the distribution of "ayuda" among the residences. And people are very quick to come up with conspiracy theories. Whether true, or not, the Government should atleast be able to extend help to all those who really needs it. Not only to those who are directly related to the ones in office.

So, moving on. The number of positive cases in the city was increasing in a slow pace. However, this was because the tests had to be sent to Manila, and the results would take 7 to 14 days. And while waiting for the results, a great number of PUI's have died. And surprisingly, some results of those who departed would be negative. So, are the results reliable? 

And just very recently, the number of positive cases exploded! From 11 cases last April 30, to 30 cases on May 1, and 59 cases on May 2, with an additional case on May 3, bringing the total to 60 Cases!!! Imagine that! From 11 to 60 in a span of 3 days!!! Accordingly, 3 Testing Centers will be up by May 15, 2020. 

Considering the location where these recent cases came from, it is not really surprising. They are those whom the government calls "Persons Deprived of Liberty", or in lay man's terms, "prisoners". When you think about it, being cramped up inside prison cells, would easily be the cause of the quick spreading of the virus. However, according to the city's BJMP, have not been accepting visitors as early as mid-March. So, could it be that the virus may have been transmitted by an employee who had access outside? Could the virus have been transmitted locally from where the employee was staying? Or could he have caught it on the way to work?  

Looking at the current situation, could it be that Zamboanga city is just not as prepared for the virus? Or is it simply that most  Zamboangueños lack discipline? 

I believe that the City Government, through the local Health authorities, is doing its best to stop the spread of this dreaded virus. And I salute them, especially the frontliners. But please note, we should not blame the Government for what is happening these days. Just look at other countries, with even higher economic status than the Philippines. Look at China, the center of the pandemic. Look at Italy, who happens to be the worlds leader in the medical field. Look at the United States of America, the world's super power! The number of deaths due to the virus in these countries is very alarming! 

I know that the structure of our country, being a group of islands, an archipelago, plays a very big role in hampering the spread of the virus. And we should be thankful for it. Our government is doing everything it can to stop the spread. Our city is doing its very best to stop the spread! So please! Let us do our part. STAY HOME!!! WASH YOUR HANDS!!! SANITIZE!!!

Some of us may need to got to work (because the company said so! LOL). But we need to follow the strict protocols, like presenting ID's and Work Certificates at checkpoints. Wearing face masks, and keeping distance. And be quick! Try not to stay in a single place while on the road. Go straight to work, or go straight home! No zig-zagging!

It is the only way to survive this pandemic. Let those who need to address the issue, address the issue. All we have to do is sit, relax, and wait. This will all pass, in God's name! This will pass! We may not know when, but this will pass.

I join the entire country in praying for the safety of all Frontliners. And also praying for all who have passed away due to the virus. May their souls rest in peace. 

So, help me GOD!


Some coronavirus related articles below:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/timeline-china-coronavirus-spread-200126061554884.html

https://www.rappler.com/nation/259762-zamboanga-city-coronavirus-cases-jump-inmates-infected-may-3-2020

https://www.rappler.com/nation/259774-coronavirus-cases-philippines-may-3-2020

MY VISION: Free Computer Education For The Less Fortunate!!!

In a world of technology, where computers seem to be an integral part of our everyday lives, a person who has knowledge about computers would be at an edge. In other parts of the world, especially in 1st and 2nd world countries, children as young as 4 years old would be exposed to computers. You would see them clicking on the mouse, tapping on the keyboard, enriching their young minds playing educational games.

This is something we rarely see in the Philippines, especially in Zamboanga city, my homeland. Here, in the rural areas, you'd see children on the streets, scavenging in garbage piles, looking for plastic, tin cans, or anything that they could sell. Yes, we are a city where poverty reigns over the rich. And having that in perspective, it would be right to say that these children's parents could not afford to give them proper education, which only the rich and middle class could afford.

It was around the year 2002 when our class was asked by our English instructor to make a research paper about anything that would interest our minds. Instantly, I thought about "Free Computer Education for the Less Fortunate." At first, it was just something that I thought I would do simply for the sake of submitting my research paper. Which I did.

And now, 8 years later, I'm thinking of bringing this advocacy to reality. I have been a computer instructor for the past two years now, and I have been advocating the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) to my students, colleagues, friends, and families alike. Together with a prominent figure in the world of FOSS, we have successfully celebrated "Software Freedom Day" two years in a row. I believe that with the right people, and enough finance to back up my dream, this advocacy would become a reality.

I tried to run a little computer shop at home, charging a very minimal fee. It went on for about two years. The idea was to let kids experience first-hand what it's like to use a computer, how to use the internet, and develop their hand-and-eye coordination by playing educational computer games. But unfortunately, due to insufficient funds, the shop had to be scrapped.

The plan is:

• 1.) To visit some of the rural areas in Zamboanga city
• 2.) Bring with me a team of volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge in the name of charity
• 3.) Convince parents to bring their children (even themselves) to attend a "Free Computer Training - The Very Basics of Computers "
• This might include Office, Internet browsing, playing educational games, etc. (preferably Open Source Software...)
• 4.) Set up camp (for atleast 1 day); complete with PC units, laptops, projectors or visual aids
• 5.) Start teaching/tutoring the children (and their parents)...
• 6.) and at the end of the day, be filled with a very contented and satisfied feeling of relief knowing that these kids will have an edge one day when they apply for work...

For now, this may seem impossible. But what is impossible? Impossible is nothing!

It may be a small step, but this small step may mean everything for the children I am trying to help. It is for their future, and with proper skills come great leaders!

I need volunteers to help me realize this dream!

Are you willing to become a part of my team?

Can Noynoy really lift the Philippines from the ashes?

Below is an article I read from the Philippine Daily Inquirer. It talks about Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, who is currently running as President of the Republic of the Philippines.

I truly believe, that if Noynoy will stand true to his parent's dreams, he will succeed in lifting the Philippines from the ashes of the current administration.

Enjoy the article!

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100417-264730/Time-story-on-Noynoy-Aquino-cites-Ninoy-Cory-legacy