Daanbantayan allows caroling, cockfighting

CEBU, Philippines — Despite the threats of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the municipality of Daanbantayan in northern Cebu has allowed caroling during the Christmas season.

The town officials, headed by Mayor Sun Shimura, agreed during the meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 to allow caroling provided that health protocols are observed like wearing masks. Carolers must also secure a permit from the barangay. 

 “I said for the essence of Christmas and of course ang mga tawo pud mag fundraising, tugotan man gani nato ang sabong kani na ba intawon sila,” Shimura said.

The municipal government is already allowing cockfighting every Sunday on condition that those who will participate must observe health protocols.

Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are also required to be fetched by a private vehicle from the hotel where they undergo the mandatory quarantine to their homes in Daanbantayan.

“Kon maatol nga walay schedule sa antigen test sa RHU tungod kay natumong og weekend, makauli gihapon sa balay ang OFW apan dili makagawas hangtod nga mapailawom na sila sa antigen test ug negative ang resulta,” the local government posted on Facebook.

OFWs are also required to secure a certification from the barangay for them to be given a certificate of acceptance by the mayor.

Shimura said the local government had purchased their own antigen kits to save cost on testing.

“Mas makatipid man mi kay ang swab antigens tag P600,” Shimura said. — FPL (FREEMAN)