Department of Health (DOH) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officials in Bicol have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen the region’s battle against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) through the “On the Road Bandillo” program.

The Bandillo is an integration of the “BIDA Solusyon Plus” and “Resbakuna” campaigns of DOH and “Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan” of BFP.

With the partnership, firetrucks of the BFP in all parts of the region will make the rounds in their respective areas to broadcast the two programs to the public.

In a statement on Thursday, Dr. Ernie V. Vera, DOH-Bicol director, noted the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the region and the importance of cooperation of every Bicolano in the continuous fight against the dreaded virus.

“An satuya pong kaso digdi sa Bicol ay naglalangkaw. Dae ta po paghalaton na maging arog kita sa NCR. Sa samuyang paglibot sa Bicol lalo na sa mga barangay, dakol pa din an dae minasunod sa simpleng pagsulot ki facemask asin social distancing. (Our cases here in Bicol are increasing. Let’s not wait for our cases to be like in the National Capital Region (NCR). During our visitation in different barangays, there are still so many people who are not following the simple wearing of mask and the social distancing),” Vera said.

He said the cooperation of everyone is needed to win the fight against coronavirus.

“Kaya gusto mi magpasalamat sa BFP 5 thru (regional director) SSupt. Capuz sa pagtabang samuya sa adbokasiya ming ini na iparumdom sa gabos na Bikolano an kaipuhan nindang gibuhon. (That’s why we are thankful to the BFP 5 thru Sr. Supt. Capuz for the help in our advocacy for Bikolanos, on what they need to do),” he said.

Vera thanked the BFP for its willingness to assist in their drive against Covid-19.

During the MOA signing on Wednesday, Capuz expressed the BFP’s eagerness to contribute to the campaigns of the DOH through the “Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan”.

“Gusto naming tumulong, kaya maraming salamat sa opportunity na ito upang mas maka-contribute kami sa patuloy nating laban kontra Covid-19 dito sa Bicol. Sa aming program na Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan nais rin namin na ligtas ang pamayanan sa Covid-19 (We want to help, that’s why we are thankful for the opportunity to contribute in the fight against Covid-19 here in Bicol),” he said.

The partnership aims to empower every Bicolano in taking an active role in the fight against Covid-19 by following the minimum public health standards and supporting the vaccination program.

Vera and Capuz signed the MOU during the ceremony that was also attended by other officials from both agencies.

The event ended with the ceremonial send-off of a firetruck and the offering of prayer for the protection of everyone especially the firefighters involved in the campaign. (PNA)