1. The BEST thing that ever happened to me during the COVID-19 pandemic is that I am able to spend more time with my family. Before the pandemic, we each go our way early in the morning. Me and my husband to work and his daughter to school. Upon reaching the house we had to do our chores, cook dinner, do homework and by the time we are done little time is left for a more quality time together. Since I did not have go to school or my clinic during the ECQ, we were able to spend quality time together. We had time to relax and do things that we longed to do before the pandemic. We were able to clean the house (we don't have househelp so we do everything by ourselves), though it's still on going but there is progress everyday. We had time to plant and at the same time appreciate the plants and birds in our backyard. We learned to cook new dishes. This pandemic has given as the time to relax and enjoy the company of our loved ones. This pandemic made us appreciate each other more.
2. Being a practicing pediatrician, I see patients in the hospital and in the clinic. Everytime I go and see my patients, I am enveloped by fear that I might get the virus or if I have it I might give it to my patients and to my family. But it is my calling to help those who are sick thus I try to show a brave front and rely much on my faith in our Lord. I won't deny the fact that there were times I wanted to give up, stop going to work, hide in our house but my conscience tells me to go and do my job. Finances are difficult during this time especially that we had to close our clinics and when we resumed we had to limit the number of patients that we see. Despite this, I am still very grateful that we have roof over our heads and we have food to eat.
3. It is a well known fact that Cebu City is having problems in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Despite the advise from the medical community to wear a mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands all the time, the leaders and citizenry still opted to listen to non medical people. The leaders themselves have been advocating practices that are not evidence based to treat/cure COVID-19 and this is a way has contributed to the rise in cases. This gives me so much despair. On the other hand, there are people who are practicing what we teach and is supporting us - this gives me HOPE that we will soon concur COVID-19. Soon we will flatten the curve and hopefully stop its spread.