Cebu City’s local government unit recently issued a memorandum telling Capitol employees to practice the traditional method of steam therapy called “tu-ob,” which makes use of steaming hot water infused with lemon, ginger or any of the like, twice a day at their respective work stations.
This was part of the province’s “wellness program” to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also declared in the memorandum that the Provincial Health Office will be providing “tu-ob kits” with corresponding instructions to the employees.
Does tu-ob work?
No, tu-ob has not been scientifically proven and has not been mentioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a method that prevents COVID-19. According to the WHO, exposing yourself to temperatures higher than 25 degrees does not prevent the disease.
Garcia’s rebuttal
Many netizens have already pointed out the unscientific practice of tu-ob. However, when this was pointed out to Cebu City Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, she immediately publicly shamed a doctor for criticizing the government.
“Yes, you, what have you contributed? Next time, if you want to criticize us, run (for elections). It’s really okay. Maybe you’re more knowledgeable about ‘aeorosolization.’ You run next time. Because you think of us as bizarre leaders. Well, if you are looking down on me, no one’s stopping you from running for office,” Garcia said in Cebuano, addressing a post by a certain Dr. Candy Krista Abrera Pilapil who criticized the government’s decision on social media.
The governor continued to slam doctors and medical practitioners who were critical of her actions.
According to Inquirer.net, Garcia believes that tu-ob could help boost one’s immune system. While there is still debate on whether or not this method does have positive effects on the immune system, many netizens were angered by Garcia’s reaction towards medical practitioners who are critical of her decisions. Some are using the hashtag #NoToDoctorShaming on Twitter to express their sentiments.
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