MARAWI CITY, Apr. 10 (PIA --To strengthen its pandemic response through information dissemination on coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (PIATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases here tapped Ulamas (Muslim scholars) and Imams (religious leaders) to help advocate on how to stay safe from COVID-19 during Ramadhan.
Faisal Cali of the Provincial Legal Office shared that they convened the Ulamas in the province to consult them on the health guidelines and protocols that are being implemented.
“Matatandaan natin na may mga religious aspect and protocols na kailangan ikonsidera. We need not only the guidance but also the support of the Ulama sector in implementing this,” said Cali.
[We can remember that there are some religious aspects and protocols that need to be considered. We need not only the guidance but also the support of the ulama sector in implementing this.]
Cali also pointed out that the Ulama sector plays a great role in making the Muslims understand the pandemic situation and the importance of observing health protocols in preventing the spread of the virus.
Marawi City Ulama Council and Islamic Affairs chairperson Abdulkarim Siddiq shared that they are committed to helping the PIATF communicate to the public the health protocols.
“Kaming mga ulama, lalo sa Marawi City, tutulungan namin yung IATF na mapiaabot sa mga tao para maprevent at hindi kumalat ang COVID-19,” he said.
[We the ulamas, especially in Marawi City, will help the IATF reach out to the people to prevent the spread of COVID-19.]
Siddiq said they will reach out to the public during Friday sermons, seminars, and prayers in mosques.
Meanwhile, PIATF Deputy Chairperson Dr. Alinader Minalang discussed the COVID-19 response in the context of Islam.
He cited verses from Qur'an that precautions should be followed during the pandemic or epidemic outbreaks.
Minalang also introduced the MECCA campaign to the Ulamas which includes Managing fake news, Educating the right things to do, Conveying the truth to people, Cooperating and, Assuring and availing of the COVID-19 vaccine.
He said attendees of physical gatherings during Ramadhan such as prayers, pilgrimage, and communal meals should also follow mitigation measures as promoted by the World Health Organization.
Minalang, who is also the Integrated Provincial Health Office chief, reminded the public to follow the protocols while observing Ramadan.
“Huwag natin kalimutan ang pagcomply sa lahat ng minimum standards, lalo na sa pag nasa mga place of worship, masjid at sa ibang lugar na merong nagtitipon na tao,” he said.
[Let's not forget to comply with all minimum standards, especially in places of worship, mosques and other places where people are gathering.]
103rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II also called for the cooperation of the public in fighting COVID-19. He said the new ordinance aims to protect the public and not to make their lives difficult.
“Everyone’s cooperation is very important dito sa ating pagprotekta sa Lanao del Sur from the surge of the pandemic which is nakikita natin for past few days,” he said.
[Everyone’s cooperation is very important here to protect Lanao del Sur from the surge of the pandemic which we have been seeing for the past few days.]
An open forum was also held wherein the Ulamas raised their inquiries and concerns to which the PIATF has answered. (LELA/PIA ICIC)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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