Putrid Program Protocols

Over 9,000 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) in Metro Manila were set to return home to their respective provinces and families on July 26. But fear still loomed around the nation as the center that sheltered thousands has turned into a poor-managed COVID-19 hotspot.

The Hatid Tulong program made by the government, has made sure it will "help" the LSIs during the travel restriction imposed to terminate the pandemic outbreak in the country. But many believed that the program didn't quite live up to its expectations.

Earlier, pictures and videos circulating on social media showed the LSIs breaking key quarantine protocols, such as social distancing and use of face masks or shields. This caused fear from the netizens and, at the same time, huge criticisms to the organizers of the program.

Because of this, the looming evidence of Hatid Tulong's negligence had made the government see their shortcomings. Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez requested President Rodrigo Duterte to fire the helm of the program, Vice President Leni Robredo expressed her shame through a Facebook post, and many more expressed concerns.

We don't know whether the government officials were genuine or not, but one thing's for sure. All their concerns won't do any good for LSIs. 

Out of all that was rapid-tested, 25 tested positive. Since quarantine protocols were poorly implemented. It won't come as a shock to us on how many will get infected by then.

Imagine the individuals that were stranded on Metro Manila, not knowing the time they can get home with their families. But instead of that being their only problem, they have to face a bigger dilemma that might prevent their families from seeing them ever again. 

Since the Hatid Tulong program is still ongoing, this could be a chance for the facilitators to be more careful running the program to remove fear from the LSIs and the concerned citizens. By that way, the LSIs could feel the help that the Hatid Tulong thought they promised before.