By Waylon Galvez
Two weeks ago, when President Duterte announced a month-long implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, he put emphasis on the role of barangays in enforcing the rules and regulations in the government’s effort to fight the deadly COVID-19.
Former water polo national team Dale Evangelista, left, barangay captain in District 1 in Manila, leads the distibution of relief packages. (Photos courtesy of Dale Evangelista Facebook)
Responding to the call is Dale Evangelista, Barangay 56 captain in District 1 in Manila
“We just follow what our President asks us to do,” said Evangelista said Tuesday as his team distributed goods to some 1,800 families.
“Of course, the City of Manila has issued a guideline given to us by Mayor Isko Morena. Ipapatupad lang naman namin kung ano ang nakasulat, kasi lahat mag-uumpisa sa bawat barangay.”
Relief packages are delivered to houses.
Implementing rules and regulations isn’t new to Evangelista.
After all, the former national team member and captain has been with the Philippine Water Polo coaching staff for a decade and is considered a disciplinarian for national coach Rey Galang.
“Sa experience natin when it comes to being part of the national team – both as former athlete and now as a coach – nagagamit naman natin bilang public servant,” the 42-year-old Evangelista said.
“As a coach, part dyan is pag-dispilina sa mga athletes, pagbigay encouragement, ngayon sa nangyayari sa bansa – well sa buong mundo yung pandemic – sa maliit na barangay pag dun nag-umpisa yung disiplina, malaking bagay at tulong sa gobyerno.”
Evangelista’s daily activity includes sanitation of streets through misting, going house-to-house to give food packages, reminding people to practice proper hygiene and social distancing, and giving lectures to individuals who are not cooperating.
Evangelista said he is aware of the danger of being infected.
However, with the support and understanding of his wife Katherine and four children, he is ‘all out’ in serving his constituents
“Siyempre andun yung danger… kaya ginagawa natin yung mga sinasabi ng Department of Health na mga guidelines din para makaiwas sa COVID-19, saka dasal pinaka-importante,” he said.
More support for residents of Barangay 56.
Evangelista also finds joy in public service, something his late father Danilo – a former Manila Police officer, and late mother Priscilla, a barangay captain for 27 years, instilled in him.
“Ganun kasi ang naging turo sa akin e. Bukod sa pamilya, ikabubuti din ng mga kapwa natin,” he said.
“Kaya kung ano yung mga naituro nila, sa panahon ngayon na napakalaki ng problema ng bansa, ng buong mundo, talagang masasabi ko na yun ang kailangan ng bawat isa – tulungan tayong lahat,”
Source: Manila Bulletin
Xtra Sports ph 