Sense of Community: Iloilo Sustains Itself Amid Covid-19

Living in Iloilo has always been about the “laidback lifestyle.” Ask any local and they will tell you how relatively easy their life is, while many of those from outside will describe the belongingness and sense of ease they felt upon setting foot here.

Photo by: Explore Iloilo

“Welcoming” is a bit of an understatement when referring to the city and province, where places that gather locals and tourists abound. Finding properties in Iloilo for various activities—whether for business, recreation, or leisure—is not difficult. They are at every corner, proof of how everyone is helping each other in furthering Iloilo’s growth.

This sense of community is primarily what makes me grateful that I am staying here in Iloilo. I am originally from Manila, and I can attest to their stark differences in lifestyle, attitudes, and people relations. Ilonggos are warm, the metropolis is business-friendly, and public facilities and spaces are easily accessible.

I believe it is this same sense of community that helps Iloilo withstand the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19.

Local governments and people from across industries and sectors put in efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus. They take care of frontliners attending to the sick and secure the needs of residents bearing the brunt of the slowdown in mobility and economic activity.

This pandemic requires restrictions in movement and the imposition of policies protecting public health—social distancing, quarantines, lockdowns—across the world. These have made life uncomfortable, if not difficult, for many countries and cities hardest hit by Covid-19.

But I am grateful that I am in Iloilo in these trying times. Here, there is an assurance that applying little lifestyle changes will not hurt as we all take part in ensuring everyone’s health is protected.

Key businesses are open and accessible

With most establishments closed, I thought getting basic necessities will be difficult. But, particularly in Iloilo City, supermarkets and convenience and variety stores selling prime commodities remain open and continue to accommodate customers every day, albeit with social distancing and adjusted business hours.

And they are pretty much everywhere: there is such a supermarket or store that is easily accessible wherever district your house or apartment is.

Neighbors are warm and hospitable

Iloilo City and its neighboring towns are filled with neighborhoods, including subdivisions and apartment buildings, where many locals are currently on self-quarantine.

But Ilonggos believe that nobody has to be alone in isolation: tales of neighbors sharing cooked food or selling food products at lower prices abound, too. Isn’t that comforting?

No effort is too small for the Ilonggos

Volunteerism is very much alive in Iloilo with local designers and modistas sewing PPEs; volunteer cooks are working tirelessly in community kitchens to feed the communities and our frontliners.

Even the marginalized gave monetary contributions and food packs. One anonymous donor even donated two live native chickens for the community kitchen.

Truly, a kind gesture no matter how small goes a long way.

Local governments are proactive and supportive

Without specific measures from the national government, leaders in Iloilo took the initiative to issue memos restricting movement and detailing policies that residents must follow to make sure the city and province do not get completely paralyzed.

Aside from strongly encouraging residents to stay home, the LGUs also limited transportation but made sure workers in essential industries are still able to get to work, gathered donations for food for poor residents and protective equipment for medical frontliners, and kept the public updated about their initiatives and new policies.

The private sector is concerned and generous

Lastly, the local governments did not have a hard time seeking help from the private sector. Donations from wealthy families, big businesses, and local farmers poured in when local chief executives called for aid. It’s amazing how much bayanihan is being shown here.

This public health crisis does not only test the resilience of Ilonggos. It also proves that, even with a challenge as big as a pandemic, Iloilo—with its overflowing sense of community—is able to support and sustain its citizens.

READ: Here’s how Iloilo City is fighting Covid-19