Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Representative Bernadette Herrera supports the decision of the Quezon City government to adjust the minimum age of Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR) from 15 to 18 years old.

Along with this announcement on Sunday, were the updated guidelines for residents who will leave their homes. APORs are mandated to present company ID, school ID or any government-issued ID to authorities.

“Tama si Mayor Joy Belmonte dito sa Quezon City sa kanyang desisyon na 18 to 65 years old ang allowed persons outside of residence (APOR) upang maprotektahan ang buong lungsod laban sa COVID-19,” Herrera penned in a statement.

“As a parent, mother, and resident of Quezon City, I support this stance to protect the gains our city has made against the coronavirus,” she added.

Meanwhile, those who fall outside the 18 to 65 age group are allowed to go outside provided that they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and have a valid reason such as medical and dental appointment.

Additionally, Herrera calls on the parents to stray from bringing along their children outdoors as it will further expose them to the infectious disease.

“Keep your children at home. Huwag po natin silang isama sa pamimili sa palengke, grocery, supermarket, bakery, o botika. Iwasan natin na makasagap sila ng coronavirus at iba pang mga mikrobyo na naglipana ngayon.”

COVID-19 vaccine funds

Herrera also urged different sectors to channel the Bayanihan spirit so the country will secure funding for the COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.

“The sooner we get our citizens vaccinated, the sooner our economy can recover and create employment again,” she said. “I urge the different churches to pitch in by using their own funds to fully subsidize COVID-19 vaccines for the most vulnerable members of their congregations.”

She also appealed to the larger corporations to mimic the initiatives of business tycoons by vaccinating their workforces while at the same time, assist the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in this regard.

“I also ask large corporations to follow the examples of the tycoons to vaccinate their employees, sponsor vaccines of the poorest and marginalized, and help small and medium scale businesses afford vaccines for their employees,” Herrera continued.

“Ganitong klase ng Bayanihan ang kailangan sa panahong ito,” she ended.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Bernadette Herrera-Dy