(File photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO) BACOLOD CITY - Leaders of various religious faiths jointly offered a prayer for healing from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) for Bacolodnons in a virtual gathering streamed live by the city government on Wednesday night. Dubbed "A Solidarity Prayer for Healing from Covid-19", petitions were said asking for healing for those who are sick and for continued protection and safety of the citizens and officials as well as the frontline healthcare workers. In his message, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said it is time for the people of Bacolod to reflect on what is happening, which is already beyond human comprehension and to offer prayers to overcome the challenges brought by the global health crisis. "This is now beyond the power of man to handle this pandemic. The only resort that we can run to is, to pray. We need to ask for guidance and blessings of the Almighty," he said. "You can be a prayer group, a brigade, an army so we can fight this together. We just have to pray together. That seems to be not just the best solution now, but maybe the only solution. Keep on praying, please," the mayor appealed. Those who offered prayers were Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod, Pastor Keven Giovanni Canal of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Greg Magracia of His Life Ministries, Bishop Virgilio Amihan Jr. of Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Pastor Joe Ascalon of Ikthus Bacolod, Imam Monib Cali of Islamic Center Bacolod, Pastor Fernando Jacolbe Jr. of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, and Pastor Dave King of Trinity Christian Fellowship. Dr. Edwin Miraflor, officer-in-charge of the City Health Office, reminded Bacolodnons to continue following the Covid-19 health protocols, including vaccination, to be protected from the virus. "It is a solidarity because the virus does not distinguish whether you are a patient or a doctor, whether you are rich or poor. We reflect on the lives of family and friends who succumbed to Covid-19. We honor them in our prayers and we pray for healing for our country and for our city especially," he added. Dr. Chris Sorongon, medical deputy of the Emergency Operations Center Task Force, paid tribute to the medical front-liners and called on people of Bacolod to say a prayer for those who continue to risk their lives to take care of patients amid the Covid-19 pandemic. As of October 27, Bacolod has logged a total of 22,895 Covid-19 cases, including 1,617 active cases; 20,710 recoveries; and 568 deaths, data from the Department of Health-Western Visayas showed. (PNA) }