Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has piloted a promotion drive to convince and influence the public about the importance of wearing a face mask to further slow down the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The city government has launched an online campaign through its official Facebook page, “where many residents rely for information,” she said.
The campaign, dubbed “Why I Wear a Mask,” posted a video featuring city hall staff members from different offices across various age groups, featuring the city’s frontliners from doctors to policemen, contact tracers and even COVID -19 survivors.
Michelle Gumabao from Quezon City, a Miss Universe Philippines candidate and national team volleyball player, is tapped as a major influencer in the campaign to highlight the importance of wearing a face mask.
She has actively joined the city in its COVID-19 response efforts.
Belmonte said the initiative had received positive response and comments from many Facebook users and other netizens who echoed the city government’s call for the wearing of face masks by sharing the video.
“We are glad that most of them understand that wearing a mask not only protects themselves but also their families, friends and communities,” she said.
“The city government is serious about its campaign on wearing a mask.
This small gesture or move is a way for us to be heroes by protecting yourselves and others,” COVID-19 community-based testing project head Joseph Juico said.
Belmonte directed the strict enforcement of City Ordinance 2936 which fines P1,000, P3,000 and P5,000 for first, second and third offense, respectively, on anyone who would be caught not wearing face masks in public places.