By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
Piddig, Ilocos Norte—Officials and residents in this historic town found a new purpose for their newly-purchased agricultural drone sprayer as they now use it to disinfect the streets, municipal hall and plaza, public market and other commercial and residential areas to ward off the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that has triggered a total lockdown in the entire province.
This is apart from the continuing disinfection operation being conducted by front-liners in border control points as well the interior and exterior parts of public buildings and government offices.
At the public market, the municipal government is implementing stringent measures to ensure market goers follow physical distancing. Market personnel designated one entrance and exit point to regulate movement of people. Each Barangay was also given a market day schedule to buy their essential supplies while a mobile market has started to operate in some rural barangays to lessen people coming in and out of the public market in the Poblacion area.
“Sacrifice is not a new thing for those who came from the clan who initiated the Basi Revolt. Now is our time to unite and sacrifice for the welfare of our country and for each one of us,” said Piddig Mayor Eduardo G. Guillen as he urged his constituents to stay at home and be vigilant of what is happening.
Since President Rodrigo R. Duterte placed the whole Luzon on enhanced community quarantine, the Piddig local government started to process their palay produce into rice.
“For Piddigeños, no need to panic-buy. We have enough palay and rice to last until the threat of COVID-19 has abated,” stressed Mr. Guillen in his online post as he assured its constituents there is more than enough food supply for the community.
