The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zambales under the leadership of Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad recommenced on the conduct of courtesy call of the second and third batch of DILG-hired and trained contact tracers (CTs) on Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. on October 27, 2020 held at Balin Sambali, Iba, Zambales.

 Governor Ebdane assured the CTs that they will be provided with personnel protective equipment (PPEs) and in the event that they contracted the virus, the Provincial Government will provide them and their families support and needs.

"Ako ay natutuwa kasi para kong nakikita ang sarili ko noong kabataan ko. Hindi pa man kayo nagsisimula, masasabi ko na malaki ang utang na loob ko sa inyo dahil itong pinasukan ninyo ay [isang] sakripisyo," Governor Ebdane commended the contact tracers for their courage and bravery in taking their part in the fight against the spread of the COVID-19.

"Kung lahat sana ng kabataan ay ganyan ang pag-iisip sa inyo, wala tayong problema sa Pilipinas. Ipakita natin na meron tayong magagawa sa ating komunidad. 'Yung trabaho nyo ang dapat pasalamatan kasi nakahanda kayo at malaking bagay ang magagawa ninyo," Governor Ebdane added.

"This might not be the last. Kailangang magtulong-tulong tayo para itong pandemic ay hindi na kakalat habang wala [pang] vaccine. You are the determined force to tackle this pandemic" Governor Ebdane lauded the CTs.

ADA IV Denver S. Yumul discussed the issuances related to the hiring and selection and specific functions and duties of the CTs were by. Meanwhile, LGOO II Paulin Johanne L. Reyes discussed some of the provisions of the Guidelines on the Management and Deployment of DILG-Hired Contact Tracers. In addition, she provided an update on the active COVID-19 cases in 13 municipalities and presented the list of online orientations and trainings attended by the CTs.

Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad and LGOO VII Judith B. Romero introduced the 2nd and 3rd batch of CTs to Governor Ebdane, the highlight of the activity.

A total of 83 CTs paid courtesy call on Governor Ebdane before their deployment to the 13 LGUs in the province.