BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Task Force Disiplina headed by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran kicked off its campaign yesterday with a motorcade around Bacolod City emphasizing the strict implementation of City Ordinance No. 926 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Familiaran, chair of the city’s inter-agency task force against COVID-19 (IATF),said that starting today, they will be strictly implementing C.O. No. 926, or the “Face Mask and Social Distancing Ordinance of Bacolod City” authored by Councilor Archie Baribar.
They went around the city yesterday to remind the public to always wear facial masks and observe physical distancing, he said.
Familiaran said the information drive aims to raise public awareness and was conducted for the benefit of those without access to radio and television news. It is to remind them that they will be reprimanded if they violate these health protocols.
Under the said C.O. No. 926, any Bacolod resident caught violating health protocols will be fined P200 or made to render eight hours of community service for every violation, while non-residents of Bacolod will be fined P300.
Task Force Disiplina action officer WilfredoGeolingo, who assisted the vice mayor, said they have to conduct an information drive for public awareness before they start enforcing the laws.
Geolingo appealed for the support of the barangays in disseminating information and in educating the residents about COVID-19 and how it is transmitted by conducting symposiums in every purok.
He also emphasized the important role of the media in information dissemination and education. Geolingo also appealed to the public to impose self-discipline and to abide with health protocols as a preventive measure against the virus.
The mobilization of the TFD will continue in the city until a vaccine to counter COVID-19 is made available, he added.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia has issued Executive Order No. 47 s. 2020 creating the Quarantine and Health Protocol Compliance Council and consequently, the Task Force Disiplina.
The Task Force Disiplina is composed of personnel from the City Mayor’s Office, City Administrator’s Office, Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), and Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), and other members assigned by Leonardia.
Under the EO, the TFD will mainly be responsible for ensuring the compliance of persons, establishments, and offices with all existing laws, issuances, and ordinances related to the established health protocols against COVID-19.*