AS this editorial is being written, the Philippines is celebrating its 123rd Independence Day, for whatever its worth.
But the current Covid-19 situation here in our province – as well as in the rest of the country – is a stark reminder that we are not yet entirely free.
We are not yet entirely free of a viral pandemic that has killed millions, infected millions more, and disrupted not only our economy but our way of life.
We are not yet entirely free from the fear and anxiety that, every time we go outside, we would be exposed to the virus, and when we go home, that we would expose our loved ones to it.
We are not yet entirely free from the cumbersome restrictions on movement and travel, from the seemingly suffocating health protocols such as wearing facemasks and face shields and distancing ourselves, from the ban on mass gatherings and parties that are once part and parcel of Filipino lives.
Yet, hope is now coming that we could achieve our independence from the virus.
This month, we are now assured of a steady supply of Covid-19 vaccines.
Essential workers are now also being given their vaccines.
Public trust and confidence in the vaccines’ efficacy is now steadily rising, as the case of the United States now show that vaccines are essential in bringing life back to normal.
With the accelerating pace of the vaccine program – and people’s growing trust in them – we could be assured that our country may finally be free of the Covid-19 pandemic by the end of this year, if not sooner.