Sagada cultural lockdown on as Covid surge up

By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- The local government here implemented “sedey,” another cultural lockdown amidst the surge of Covid-19 cases in this scenic town.
    On March 22, the Sagada Municipal Health Office reported 41 new Covid-19 cases bringing the total case in the municipality to 194.
    There have been 76 recorded recoveries, 116 active cases and two Covid-19 related deaths.
    Mayor James Pooten Jr. said the municipality observed “sedey,” March 24 from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    This was seen to lessen spread of Covid-19 and facilitate “cleansing” within the community
    During the period of the ritual, residents remained inside their homes except when getting essential goods and emergency services. 
    Gatherings and other activities were also prohibited.
    Inbound and outbound travel to and from the municipality, and inter-barangay travel were prohibited.
    All offices and establishments not involved in essential goods and services were closed during “sedey.” 
    Travelers passing through the municipality were allowed passage.
Pooten said “sedey” was meant to safeguard their localities from negativity and any unfortunate events.

The local government had been doing this practice since the start of Covid-19 pandemic last year.

Meanwhile, the lockdown in Barangay Balugan starting March 19 was extended to March 29 to curb surge of cases in the area.

Pooten issued executive order No. 17-2021 placing under granular lockdown Balugan, with exception of Sitio Pide, and declaring it as a critical zone and under localized enhanced community quarantine due to spike in Covid-19 cases the past days.

The local government noted that within a week, there had been a series of surges in the number of Covid-19 affected individuals in Balugan. – PIA Cordillera