CALOOCAN CITY, July 14 (PIA) - Miss Universe Philippines candidate and national team volleyball player Michelle Gumabao who hails from Quezon City, has actively joined the city in its covid response efforts.

The Quezon City government has tapped Gumabao as major influencer in its recently launched 'Why I Wear a Mask', launched a campaign to further underscore the importance of wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The city government began the campaign on its official Facebook page, posting a video featuring City Hall staff members from different offices across various age groups.

It also featured the city's frontliners from doctors to policemen, and contact tracers and COVID -19 survivors to give inspiration and remind people of the importance of wearing masks to contain the disease

The move has generated positive response and comments from Facebook followers and citizens, who echoed the city government's call for the wearing of face masks.

"We are glad that most of them understand that wearing a mask not only protects themselves but also their families, friends and communities," Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

A study by the United States' Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) determined that cases of COVID-19 could be cut significantly if 80 percent of people wear face masks in public.

Various studies also showed that correct wearing of face masks can decrease transmission by at least 70 percent.

Stepping up the initiative, the city government said a two-prong approach will be taken to encourage residents to wear a mask.

Belmonte said the strict implementation of City Ordinance No. 2936 -- which fines P1,000, P3,000 and P5,000 for first, second and third offense, respectively, on those caught not wearing face masks in public places -- will be paired with massive information dissemination down to the barangays through posters, tarpaulins and flyers.

The city government will also boost its online campaign to promote mask wearing through the Quezon City government's official Facebook page where many residents rely for information.

"We must help people realize that wearing a face mask is the simplest and cheapest way to save a life. And through the Facebook page of QC, we can constantly remind our followers - QC residents or not, to wear masks always," said Mona Celine Yap, head of the QC Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (SBCDPO) and one of the proponents of the campaign.

"The city government is serious about its campaign on wearing a mask. This small gesture or move is a way for us to be heroes by protecting yourselves and others," said Joseph Juico, project head of the city's COVID-19 community based testing. (QC PAISD/PIA-NCR)