5 Filipinos who lead by example and saved lives amid COVID crisis

In the time of crisis, there are individuals whose names resound amid the hubbub of conversations and even in social media. They are the ones who chose to act, rather than simply talk. They addressed the source of the problem rather than implement band-aid solutions that only cover the scar but does not heal the wounds. These Filipinos led by example and were able to save lives amid the onslaught of the COVID crisis.

Vico Sotto

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto didn't only attain the distinction of being one of the finest millennial politicians today but was able to prove his competence as a leader when the coronavirus crisis hit the Philippines.

Born Victor Maria Regis "Vico" Nubla Sotto, the handsome 30-year-old mayor of Pasig was among the first ones who swiftly responded to the needs of his constituents when the community quarantine in Luzon took effect.

Before the lockdown, he made sure that public places were disinfected, disinfecting kits were distributed to 30 barangays, sanitation tents were set up, drones were deployed to disinfect areas and a mobile palengke was set up to provide food for constituents.

The city also provided shuttles so that frontliners would be able to have a means of transportation to reach hospitals, and food packs and financial aid quickly reached poverty-stricken areas in the city.

With everything that the mayor did for Pasig, people, even non-Pasigueños rallied behind Mayor Vico when the NBI sought to question him with regards to an alleged violation of the policy of the national government regarding the quarantine.

Isko Moreno

Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso won hearts amid the community quarantine, thanks to his quick action in fighting the pandemic. From the time that he unseated former President Erap Estrada as Manila's mayor, the 45-year-old has been putting his best foot forward in fighting COVID-19.

The mayor ensured that facilities would be made available to fight the dreaded disease. Recently, they set up the Manila Center for Infectious Disease Control at Sta. Ana. Hospital where each isolation unit has its own AC unit, a bathroom, and drawers, along with decontamination areas and changing rooms.

Mayor Isko also made sure to enforce strict quarantine measures. He personally busted a village that held a boxing match and bingo. Ensuring that social distancing measures are properly implemented helps prevent the spread of the virus. Recent reports indicated officials of Manila will be donating their salaries to help fight COVID.

Kit Nieto

Cainta Mayor Johnielle Keith "Kit" Pasion Nieto was fondly called by the Japanese network NHK World as "The People's Mayor," and it's not hard to see why.

Now on his 3rd term, the 51-year-old mayor is known for his humor and witty responses to constituents and they were among the first cities that implemented measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.

He kept his constituents in the loop by providing them with daily updates. He also assured them and at the same time, providing them with their needs.

One notable measure that Mayor Nieto implemented was the identification of senior citizens, where the government went door-to-door to provide senior citizens with an allowance.

The local government also put up sanitation sprays for vehicles entering the area, Alcohols were also distributed to families and they made sure that people who remained in their homes have food to eat.

Angel Locsin

Touted as a real "Darna," Angel Locsin earned more fans this COVID-19 crisis due to the swift and heartfelt response of the actress towards the needs of Filipinos.

The 34-year-old actress, along with some colleagues in the showbiz industry like Matteo Guidicelli, spearheaded a fund-raising drive for the frontliners and for the poor.

They set up tents to give extra space to overflowing hospitals. They named their fundraising drive #UniTentWeStandPH. She also distributed food packs for the poor. The actress has already helped hospitals and has provided food for many Filipinos.

Bela Padilla

The actress was also among the first ones to call on Filipinos and other celebrities to help in providing food for street vendors who lost their source of living because of the lockdown.

Bela's call to raise P1 million was surpassed as donations poured in and it reached to more than P3 million. Together with a number of personnel from the armed forces, they distributed packed goods to different areas in Manila.

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In a previous KAMI report, Mayor Vico Sotto pleaded with the national government to allow tricycles on the road for the sake of public health.

The coronavirus outbreak started out in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Scientists believed that the virus came from an animal at one of Wuhan's wet markets. At present, the Philippines is under a state of calamity while the entire Luzon is under an enhanced community quarantine.

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Are you also wondering how you can render help to frontliners? One Filipino, Pio, was able to find ways to help them out. You will see his unique and effective means in the video we created especially for you. Check out all of the exciting videos and celebrity interviews on our KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: KAMI.com.gh