Posted on April 9, 2020
Few months ago, Filipinos were mere spectators of dreadful news about the horrific plight of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, when a deadly unknown disease later named coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 claimed thousands of lives and threatened millions more.
Never did most of the 104 million Filipinos expect that the invisible enemy would later wreck havoc in the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
Responding to the threat, top officials of the country declared various community quarantine and lockdown of different localized intensities to curb and prevent local transmission.
Normal routine of the people are disrupted, business and tourism industries halted.
Consequently, working middle class, especially those who live by day to day wage, became weary about government assistance, as aid has been prioritizing the poor.
In other words, the economic state of the country is utterly affected.
In the middle of this raging test of times that besets the people particularly in the province of Bohol, one raises a question: How are Boholanos doing so far?
History reveals that Boholanos have been through numerous disasters brought by catastrophes, both natural and man-made.
Most recently, the Boholano spirit was severely challenged in 2013 when the magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the province. It was the strongest quake recorded in the history of Bohol.
With this, the meaning of Boholano spirit has extended from the celebratory month-long fiesta every May, which the province is most noted for, to being resilient, hospitable and God-fearing.
With the presence of such calamities, Boholanos remained steadfast in surmounting the trials. Each one believed that even storms take a lull after howling its fury, a surging wave recede its anger when it’s over, and there is always a rainbow after the rain.
This mentality brings forth optimism, faith and courage to face the perils brought by chance.
When the governor declared precautionary community quarantine, deafening silence engulfed the province. Not a single violent reaction from Boholanos, including the business sector.
While the capital had people in the streets carrying placards stating their anger, Boholanos patiently waited for the assistance for they know that the government is doing its best to send some help.
At the onset, there were those who initially ignored directives to stay at home and observe social distancing as part of adjustment period. Later on, the new normal has become tolerable.
More than anything else, Boholanos maintain their strong religious devotion. “Virus ra ni, Boholano kami” is the people’s mantra to counter the ill effects of the pandemic.
Divisiveness has no room to invade the people as they become more united to fight the faceless enemy.
People from various walk of life have learned by heart how to strictly observe social distancing, disinfection and proper handwashing to prevent the potential entry of the virus.
True enough, in this trying time Boholanos never seem to manifest indifference to the government.
Whether well-off or lowly, influential or barely known, professional or jobless, everybody works for the common cause.
Indeed, in this moment of crisis, love, unity and concern for others are the best antidote more than vaccines can do to never allow the corona to reign its supremacy over the land of the faithful believers-BOHOLANOS.
After all, it is the best time that we express discipline over indifference, sympathy over insensitivity, and above all, love over hate.
This, too, shall pass in His time, so hold and have faith Boholanos, keep fighting till the end.
***DISCLAIMER:
All views expressed on the article belong to the writer alone. This do not reflect the stand of Bohol Island News.
