"If basic needs are not addressed, existing policies would be ineffective."
"If basic needs are not addressed, existing policies would be ineffective."
With the gradual easing of restrictions under the previous community quarantine, the bustling life in cities and municipalities is slowly returning. A bigger portion of the population can now be seen outside as they travel to work or buy essential goods outside their cities but within the region. Health authorities have decided to ease restrictions due to the deemed control over COVID-19 transmission and the necessity to revive economic productivity for the benefit of Filipinos. However, as businesses and work resume at modified or reduced capacity, new COVID-19 cases are still reported everyday. This shows that the threat of COVID-19 lingers, despite the corresponding increase in the number of people recovered. The ultimate solution, according to the authorities, is the development of a vaccine. However, while there is no vaccine yet, what will happen if the crisis drags on longer?
This possible scenario demands further planning from the government, particularly from the Executive. Despite the minimum health standards implemented, we should be prepared to face another possible wave of COVID-19 infections should these quarantine measures fail to contain disease transmission. We must have a fallback position. The government must be capable of sustaining the livelihood of Filipinos and the provision of basic commodities and services when a resurgence of COVID-19 infection occurs.
Legislators propose a “new normal.” However, with this notion of new normal, we must assess whether the nation is ready to meet its demands. For instance, the physical distancing policy causes many businesses to reduce their workforce in their operations. Face-to-face classes have also been recently declared suspended until the availability of a vaccine. The suspension of public transportation also adds to the difficulty in continuing daily activities. Adjustments have to be made to adapt to the current situation.
Electronic/digital platforms are being utilized to continue to engage the public in such activities. Businesses, including small- and medium-scale enterprises, shift to online platforms, while schools are reconstructing their teaching methods to be able to continue classes online. However, these activities hinge on the fact that public utilities, especially power supply and telecommunications, are providing quality and reliable services. Unless we are guaranteed that the foundations for online platforms are stable, this new normal may not effectively work.
Moreover, the inequity in the access to these public utilities and services must be resolved. Students, especially those from disadvantaged families, may not have the means to get or use devices suitable for online classes. Starting entrepreneurs and those in far-flung areas may find it hard to comply with cashless or online transactions because of the inability to produce requirements for bank accounts or the lack of financial institutions or facilities in their localities. This is a common scenario among members of agriculture and fishery sectors who rely on physical local markets or live in islands or far from city proper. This renders them illiquid and incapable of continuing trade or business, leading to a disruption in the supply chain and food insecurity. Also, the lack of ancillary transportation hampers the distribution of their goods which leads to waste of agricultural products left unsold.
If basic needs are not addressed, existing policies would be ineffective. This new normal policy must allow everyone to continue to participate in social and economic activities. In the worst case scenario, when the number of COVID-19 cases rise once more, we may have to reinstate strict community quarantine measures. If this happens without proper economic and social safety nets for the people, life would be back to a standstill. The economy may go on a prolonged slump and many will have to rely on financial assistance from the government again.
Moreover, we must find a way to help our health professionals deal with the persistent burden and risks in attending to COVID-19 patients. As our testing capacity increases with more COVID-19 testing centers accredited each month, the government must ensure the continuous supply of protective personal equipment in hospitals, especially those designated as COVID-19 referral centers, and adequate compensation of our health care workers. Should we face another rise in the curve, we must be equipped with adequate quarantine centers and more health care workers to man the frontlines. We need to safeguard our health system in order to survive until a vaccine becomes available.
We need to be ready for these scenarios. Therefore, I urge the administration to ensure inclusive policies and sustainable mechanisms that would cater to the needs of Filipinos. While we continue to pray for the improvement of our situation, I call on the government to plan and act ahead to protect the welfare of the people from the grassroots level, to the small businesses, up to our public health institutions. The new normal must encompass not only the preventive measures but also promotion of the welfare of the people.