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MANILA - The mayor of San Jose, Camarines Sur said Tuesday he decided work double as a doctor to boost the morale of frontliners in his town as they battle the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The town so far has 1 case of the novel coronavirus, according to Mayor Marco Chavez.

"Tumulong lang din po ako sa mga frontliner namin para maiangat po ang morale nila and at the same time hindi po sila nag-iisa. Kasama po nila ako sa laban na ito," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

(I decided to help our frontlines to boost their morale and at the same time make them feel they're not alone. I'm with them in this fight.)

"Kailangan po talaga manguna tayo sa kampanya na ito, di po tayo magsasawa sa taumbayan na magpaliwanag o mag-abiso na magsuot ng face mask at social distancing. Ito’y mahalaga para maiwasan po ang possible na kumalat ang virus."

(We need to lead this campaign, we will not get tired of advising the public to wear face masks and observe social distancing. These are important to avoid the spread of the virus.)

The 33-year-old mayor and doctor said he prioritizes health and agriculture projects as his constituents are mostly farmers and fishermen.

"Pinapalakas po natin ang mga programa sa kalusugan, libreng benepisyo sa mga may sakit, libreng gamot, at libreng diagnostic center," he said.

(We strengthen our public health programs like free benefits to those who are ill, free medicine, and free diagnostic center.)

Chavez urged the public to wear face masks, observe physical distancing, and frequently wash their hands to avoid the disease.

"Sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan, leaders...maging lagi po tayong handa. Planning po kailangan po talaga yan. Sa ating mga kababayan, magtulong-tulong po tayo," he said.

(To our countrymen, leaders...we need to be always reading. Planning is essential. Let's help each other.

The town will appreciate any donations to combat the pandemic, he added.