La Trinidad mayor cites Cordi group for volunteerism

By Augustin Dao-anis

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Mayor Romeo K. Salda cited the Cordillera Comprehensive Action Team (CCAT) for volunteerism in implementing the IATF protocols during Covid-19 operations during a meeting here at municipal hall on Jan. 15.
    Since the start of community lockdowns in March until December 2020, the CCAT aided the municipal IATF (MIATF) in ensuring the community follow IATF protocols like observing social distancing, wearing face masks and face shields, liquor ban and curfew hours.
    “Without you (CCAT), the municipality would not have achieved this far the implementation of IATF protocols in the municipality,” the town chief executive said during the event for CCAT members and officers.
    “As the municipality’s way of thanking you, we will be giving you gift packs. We know that those gifts would never equate the value of the services you rendered,” he said.
    In March 2020, the La Trinidad MIATF deputized the CCAT through a municipal order authorizing the said group to implement IATF protocols, no smoking ordinance, liquor ban and curfew.
    The CCAT joined the Land Transportation Office and La Trinidad police force in apprehending car owners for illegal parking and road obstruction.
    The group headed by its chairman Gabriel Francisco had been visiting barangays, homes, business establishments and schools to ensure proper observance of IATF protocols.
    Salda said the deputization of the CCAT has expired but he was studying whether to renew said memorandum of agreement.
Francisco said the CCAT was formed solely for volunteer work without expecting any payment.
    “CCAT has been helping in crowd control during Strawberry festivals in La Trinidad and Panagbenga civic parades in Baguio.
    It had also been working with the PNP and LTO during Summer Vacation (SumVac) operations along major roads and checkpoints in Baguio and Benguet,” Francisco said.