It’s the time of the year again when the sun almost hugged the earth and sweat rolls over our body. People are craving for gelato, halo-halo or anything that can give the ‘chill.’ This brings us to the ever-famous City of Pines, Baguio City. It is well-known for its cold-breeze and the tourist-spots that will surely consume your phone storage.

But this year, amidst the Covid-19 crisis, the Summer Capital of the Philippines welcomes no tourists but applause from citizens around the country for its combat tactics against the virus which left little to no positive cases in the vicinity.

The Captain of the Ship!

Baguio City traverse the path against big waves with their new on the post leader, Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Beginning from his first day on the mayoral position and up until now, Mayor Magalong never failed his constituents and the whole city to rise as high as their altitudinous geographical location. In their battle against the lethal virus, it is the sense of urgency and preparedness that brought them to reap their harvests now.

With the ‘no-camera-action’ of Mayor Magalong, they have prevented the uncontrollable, rapid increase of Covid-19 cases in the city. Every month of February, the radiant colors of flowers is being showcased through the tourist-magnet Panagbenga Festival where every street is filled with thousands of people to witness such magnificent event. But this year’s moment was postponed and later-on cancelled as an early response against this Covid-19.

It was mid of March when Enhanced Community Quarantine was declared in the city and positivity ignites with the officers on duty in the designated checkpoint, seen on their video circulating online, as they move their bodies through the grove of music despite this time of uncertainty. Another jaw-dropping action of the city-government is their aggressive contract tracing led by Mayor Magalong who exhibits his detective skills being a former chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Equipped Passengers!

As sudden as the lightning and thunder, citizens and even tourists are advised not to step and wander around public areas. Malls are shutdown, parks are closed and Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operations are stopped. Photos of an apocalyptic-like Baguio went viral online where no one, even the tiniest step, was seen on the road. Dead city as it may appear, but this showcased the plausible, discipline of every law-abiding citizens of Baguio.

On the market scene, a government official, carrying a trumpet-like microphone, informatively enunciate government rules to combat the virus. Market vendors on the other hand, responsibly, rubbed their brushes as they shower disinfectant spray on their own-stall, hours before the curfew arrives.

Amid this global crisis, Baguio may not cater tourist for their needs of a relaxing ambiance and a soothing breeze of wind, the City excellently cater the need of the whole nation of a role model in our current battle. It is the formula of a simple math equation, the camaraderie of an effective leadership, a progressive government plus citizens equipped with discipline and cooperation.

Truly, the City of Baguio is like their flowers- they silently bloom!