Senator Bong Go and President Rodrigo Duterte (File photo)
MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go on Sunday thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for declaring the fourth week of March as National Week of Prayer amid the government’s enhanced efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
"Nagpapasalamat po tayo kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang desisyon na i-proklama ang huling linggo ng Marso bilang National Week of Prayer (I thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his decision to proclaim the last week of March as National Week of Prayer)," Go said.
Go urged Filipinos to unite and offer prayers for the frontline and health workers as well as those infected with the deadly disease and the families whose loved ones died of Covid-19.
“Let's pray as one, let's work as one, let's heal as one,” Go said. "Sana po ay magsilbing daan ito para magkaisa tayong lahat bilang isang bansa anuman ang ating relihiyon, at para na rin makapag-alay tayo ng panalangin sa ating mga frontliners na kasalukuyang nangunguna sa paglaban sa Covid-19. (I hope it will unite us a nation whatever religions we have, and so that we can offer prayer for our frontliners who lead the fight against Covid-19)."
Proclamation 934, signed by Duterte on March 21, urged Filipinos of all faiths, religious traditions and backgrounds to unite in prayer as the country faces the growing threats posed by Covid-19.
"I ask everyone to pray for the recovery of those who are now suffering from Covid-19, for comfort to those who lost loved ones, and for the protection of all, especially the most vulnerable sectors of society," Duterte stated in the proclamation.
Duterte also asked the public to "pray also for strength and endurance for our outstanding medical professionals and health workers on the frontlines, your military and law enforcement officers, the government officials and personnel dealing with the present threat, and all Filipinos who are working tirelessly to protect our communities, sacrificing their lives in the service of the country."
Go emphasized the importance of Duterte's declaration, saying it is one of the ways to encourage and promote unity among Filipinos in the name of a common goal.
“Marami nang pinagdaanang pagsubok ang ating bansa. Patunay ito sa ating katatagan. Gaya ng ating pagdarasal noon upang maibsan ang hirap na pinagdaanan nating lahat(Our country went through many trials. It is proof of our steadfastness. Like the prayers we offered before to endure all our difficulties), now more than ever, Filipinos need to pray," Go said.
He reassured the public that the government is committed to controlling the spread of the Covid-19 in the entire country.
Aside from National Week of Prayer, Go urged the Filipino people to continue to help the authorities and maintain the spirit of unity and cooperation with the government.
“Ang pagsunod sa protocol ay isang civic action na kinakailangang sundin hindi lamang para sa kapakanan mo kundi para sa lahat ng taong nakapaligid sa inyo (Protocol is not your civic action that must be followed not only for your own good but for others around you,” he said.
Go reminded the Filipinos to stay home and limit themselves to essential movements to prevent the further spread of the deadly virus.
“Nakita natin sa ibang bansa na mas mayaman at mas moderno, pati sila tinamaan pa rin. Wala pong pinipili ang sakit na ito. Kaya importante ang kooperasyon ng bawat Pilipino (The rich and modern countries were also affected. This kind of disease infects everyone. That’s why cooperation of every Filipino is needed),” he emphasized.
He also reminded national agencies and local government units to make sure those who need government attention the most are taken care of, especially the vulnerable sectors and informal workers.
“Let’s pray, work and heal together. Malalamapasan natin ito bilang isang nagkakaisang bansa (We will endure this as a united country),” he said. (PR)
