Sharing this very timely info from Doc Ted Esguerra, a Covid19 survivor himself. Words to live by amidst the pandemic. Thanks, Doc.

“As we are recovering, there are ‘old ways’ which we do not bring anymore in our usual lives. We are now in the NEW NORMAL and we are to adapt to its new norms to survive. “Reopening is not back to normal. It is trying to find ways to allow people to get back out to do things they want to do, and business to do business,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. “We can’t pretend the virus has gone away. The vast majority of the population is still susceptible.”

I made this mnemonic B.A.G.O.N.G. B.A.Y.A.N.I. as a guide for Filipinos how to ‘stand up’ again in the new normal times — renewed and more resilient.

Let’s all be the Bagong Bayani SA BAGONG BANSA PARA SA BAGONG PANAHON

B – BE FIT – Physically, physiologically, Psychologically, Spiritually
– We must realize that indeed health is wealth

A – ALWAYS IMBIBE GOD-FEARING & FAMILY-CENTERED WAY OF LIFE – Be responsible parent, husband, wife, son or daughter
– Going back to the basic unit of the society
– Moral decadence has started when we detach ourselves from the values taught to us by our parents

G – GO CLEAN, GREEN AND CONSERVATION – Support and practice proper waste disposal, clean energy, forest restoration programs, preservation of culture and the arts, conserve water and electricity
– Involvement of our country in the global campaign for climate change adaptation and low carbon usage
– Imbibe the true cultural richness of our country

O – OBSERVE THE ‘SEVEN WONDERS’ AND OTHER SAFETY PRACTICES – observe the 7 Wonders of Safety : Always wear mask, Observe Physical distancing, Washing of hands with soap and water, avoid crowded areas, observe coughing/sneezing etiquette, do not go out unless necessary, and avoid touching mouth, nose and eyes
– Developing the safety culture and enhancing the safety-security-survival (S3) psyche and practices

N – NEW LIFE, NEW HABIT, NEW TECHNOLOGY – Be prepared for any eventualities, Be flexible, Be more aware, Be learned and educated in accessing information on-line, Adapt to technological advancement suited to our national platform

G – GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH NEIGHBORS & VISITORS – Locally and Internationally. Be tolerant to diversity. Be kind to everyone

B – BE A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN – As a Voter, Tax Payer, Manager/ Employer, Worker, Student, Netizen, road user.
– Report Crime and corruption
– Video tape and report abuses,

A – ALWAYS GIVE RESPECT AND PRIORITY TO SPECIAL PEOPLE – Elderlies, PWDs, women and pregnant women, Children, Tribes People, and other marginalized members of the society

Y – YIELD TO THE RULES OF THE COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY – from simple pedestrian crossing to not participating in corruption

A – ADVOCATE AND SUPPORT OUR OWN – Produce of our own Farmers/Fishermen; support products of our craftsmen; support obras of our own artisans; support our local tourism

N – NEVER BE LAZY AND NEVER PROCRASTINATE – Early at work and leave in right time

I – INSTILL NATIONALISM – Patronize anything that is about our Country
– Deepen our understanding to the RIGHT part of history
– Change some ‘defeated’ aspects in history
– Renew reverence to flag and anthem
– Foster UNITY
– It doesn’t take much being a hero

By: DR TED ESGUERRA