PUBLIC ADDRESS. Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas of Bukidnon province gives an update on the local government initiatives and programs especially in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response in a Facebook live stream program on Friday (Jan. 21, 2022). The mayor said the increase of Covid-19 cases in the city was unrelated to the celebration of the city’s 21st charter day on January 12, as the observation was simple and had adhered to strict health protocols. (Screengrab via Valencia CIO)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The city government of Valencia, Bukidnon on Friday clarified that the rising cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the area were not due to the celebration of the 21st charter day last week.
During a Facebook live stream program, Mayor Azucena P. Huervas said the celebrations were observed in a non-festive, simple manner, with adherence to strict health protocols.
"Our celebration to the 21st anniversary of our cityhood had simple activities. We had our 'pamuhat' (indigenous ritual), and a Holy Mass," she said.
Huervas said there were only a few live events during the celebration such as the singing contest, mountain bike race, marathon, and motocross event.
She said neighboring Malaybalay City, which did not celebrate its charter day, had more Covid-19 cases than Valencia City.
Samuel Langub, acting head of Valencia’s public affairs information and assistance section, said data from the local government's health center recorded several cases coming from other provinces and regions.
Huervas said at a time when the city was placed under Alert Level 2, local tourist spots received a number of visitors.
As of Thursday, the city recorded 47 new cases, increasing the number of active cases to 123.
Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the city has logged a cumulative total of 6,362 confirmed cases, with 6,055 recoveries, and 184 deaths.
Valencia City is currently under Alert Level 3, with vaccination drives in different barangays.
As of January 14, the city has vaccinated 116,300 residents for the first dose, while 87,978 have been fully vaccinated. (PNA)
