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| (Image Source: CNN Philippines/Google Maps) |
Amidst the looming threat of the more dangerous COVID-19 variants that could further affect the continuing progress of the country's economy, Lipa City remains resilient in facing the challenges brought about by the ongoing pandemic and is now experiencing a downward trend in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the city. While thriving and winning the fight against the virus and its negative effects to its people and progress, the City For All Seasons has bravely won another battle against another threat - the African Swine Fever (ASF) - which is remarkably an overwhelmingly impressive feat for a city, town and village in the country.
Its triumph over the COVID-19 pandemic and the African Swine Fever (ASF) affecting the nation's livestock are mainly due to the enduring efforts of the city government under the administration of Mayor Eric B. Africa that are literally documented and summarized in the city's newsletters as well as the Lipa History Synopsis book which was eventually distributed to every household in the city in celebration of its 74th founding anniversary last June. I managed to get a hold of and read the book recently after seeing it on a table standing near my home's windows while recuperating from my post-party health issue and what is said about these efforts are truly outstanding in any aspect one could think of when it comes to the well-being of the city and its people.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put the city's utmost faith and resiliency to a test tougher than the typhoons that come around every year, but this does not stop EBA and the Lipa City LGU from exerting various efforts to ensure that the residents of the city and their families are well-prepared and taken care of in these challenging times. These efforts include providing a wealth of goods and essential services as well as livelihood training and assistance and distribution of cash grants to various frontliners within city grounds among others. On the other hand, the Lipa City LGU has also staged mapping, surveillance and depopulation activities in order to manage its livestock industry and ensure its safety from the ASF. Eventually, with the help of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the city brought fresh new livestock and financial assistance to those who are affected by the ASF who aspire to regain their livelihood. Through these efforts, the city is highly regarded as one of the first in the province of Batangas that is declared ASF-free by the national government.
If you want to ask me how overwhelming is Lipa's combat against the pandemic, my answer is simply look through the strong unity and cooperation between the national and local government units, private sectors, non-government organizations, civil society groups, academe, religious organizations and the city's populace and see the answer for yourself. Otherwise, visit the official Facebook pages of Mayor Eric B. Africa, Ala Eh Lipa and Hello Lipa since social media play a major role in the city's resilient thriving amidst the challenges it continues to face. Lipa City has been ultimately blessed with good weather and satisfyingly cool topography and climate on top of what it is known for and seeing it thrive and eventually emerge triumphant over COVID-19 and ASF makes me feel proud to literally say "IBA SA LIPA" and I salute Mayor Eric B. Africa and the men and women of the city LGU for keeping the city safe from further eventual harm. God bless Lipa!!
