Philippine Canadian Inquirer (National)
QC Solon weighs possible MMFF Summer Edition postponement amid COVID-19
QUEZON CITY District V House Representative and Actor Alfred Vargas was asked if he is in favor of postponing the 1st Metro Manila Summer Film Festival amid the rising number of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines.
The Summer Film Festival, headed by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF Executive Committee, is to be held on April 11 to April 21.
The QC Solon said to PEP. ph that he is proposing to the head committees of MMDA and MMFF to examine the implementation of the schedule of the film festival in light of the
COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
“Higit sa pagnanais nating makapagbigay ng ikalilibang na panoorin ng sambayanan, pangunahing interes natin ang seguridad sa kalusugan ng lahat ng ating manonood (As much as we want to bring entertainment through films to the public, our main concern is the security of the audiences),” Vargas said in an interview with PEP.PH
“Kung matitimbang nating hindi na malakas ang banta ng COVID-19, wala akong nakikitang dahilan para hindi ituloy ang Summer Film Festival. (If we can observe that the threat of COVID-19 is not severe, I don’t see why we should not continue the Summer Film Festival),” he added.
The actor and house representative, who has an entry in the 1st Summer Film Festival, also said that if the spread of the coronavirus disease continues and cannot be contained in the next few weeks, postponing the event is much preferred until the situation passes.
The solon advised the public to observe proper hygiene and stay healthy.
“For better personal hygiene practices, wash hands always, do not touch face with hands at laging magdala ng alcohol, wipes, tissue, at mask. For better general health, mag-take ng vitamins, iwasang magpuyat at mag-exercise nang regular. Iwasan muna ng ating mga kababayan ang large crowds at kung puwede, manatili muna sila sa kanilang mga tahanan (For better personal hygiene practices, wash your hands always, do not touch your face with your hands and always bring alcohol, wipes, tissue, and mask. For better general health, take vitamins, avoid sleeping late and exercise regularly. As much as possible, avoid large crowds and stay at home),” Vargas concluded. ■