DILG, DOH launch campaign to instill discipline among citizens in COVID-19 fight

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday launched the “BIDA ang may Disiplina: Solusyon sa COVID-19” national advocacy campaign in Marikina City, which aims to instill discipline among citizens in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said all local government units (LGUs) are urged to organize Disiplina Brigades in all barangays in the country to encourage residents to adhere to health standards in the community.

“Ang laban kontra COVID-19 ay hindi lang laban ng pamahalaan, ito po ay laban ng bawat Pilipino na maaaring mabiktima ng sakit na ito kaya sa pamamagitan ng ‘BIDA ang may Disiplina’ ay hangad ng DILG at DOH na iparating sa mga mamamayan na ang susi sa pagsugpo sa virus na ito ay disiplina at pagsunod sa mga tamang asal,” Año said in a statement.

“It is only through concerted and unified efforts can we win this battle," he added.

He said the brigades should be composed of community members, including barangay tanods, who will remind their neighbors and friends of minimum health standards and call the attention of those who will violate the protocols.

The DILG chief urged LGUs to support the new campaign to “promote discipline as the new normal” and alter the residents’ habit and lifestyle to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

“Malaki ang bahagi ng mga mamamayan sa kampanyang ito ngunit ito ay magiging matagumpay lamang kung mahusay po itong mapangungunahan ng ating mga pamahalaang lokal,” Año said.

He called on provincial, city, municipal, and barangay sanggunians to enact their respective ordinances that prescribe discipline in following health safety standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The campaign is a joint effort of the DILG and DOH brought forth by the goal of encouraging people participation in the battle against COVID-19 by living a life of discipline and earnestly practicing the minimum health standards set by health authorities. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News