By Juan Miguel Lopez
Illustrations by Hera Ydulzura
On March 15, 2020, an eerie atmosphere surrounded the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue, the capital region’s main thoroughfare. It was the first day of the month-long lockdown imposed on the National Capital Region brought about by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Weeks later, we soon realized that it was only a glimpse of the series of unprecedented events which were to envelop the whole country.
According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered strain of coronavirus. The virus and the outbreak were first identified last December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province, China.1 Reports highly suggested that its spread was associated with exposures in a seafood market in the said city. Within a short period of time, the deadly virus reached the Philippines. After COVID-19 cases rose to 20 reported infections, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte convened the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to handle the government’s response to the growing health crisis.2 Subsequently, Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, was enacted granting the President additional authority to carry out policies in response to the outbreak.
For the longest time, the bustling metropolitan was able to breathe. Thousands of citizens went home to the provinces. Motor vehicles no longer clogged major roads throughout the cities. Most people opted to stay at home, given the looming fear of contracting the new deadly disease. Local authorities started imposing regulations through setting up checkpoints and patrols. With no more busy roads, the urban world seemed to have ceased indefinitely.
Just days prior to the first quarter of 2020, a ‘new normal’ has begun.
Adapting to the changes
Even before the nationwide lockdown, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso had already placed himself in self-quarantine while continuing to work inside his office at the Manila City Hall. The mayor just arrived from Europe where the virus had also rapidly spread and affected the daily affairs of citizens. Moreno said that the Manila city government had begun preparing for an “armageddon scenario.”3 A task force was already formed back in early February in preparation for the impending outbreak. The Manila Infectious Disease Control Center (MIDCC), a facility catering to COVID-19 patients with mild to severe symptoms, became immediately operational. The Sta. Ana Hospital, where the said facility was located, was soon converted exclusively for COVID-19 patients. Hotels and motels throughout the city were also tapped to accommodate health workers working in the city’s hospitals.
Valenzuela City spearheaded the testing of its citizens. This effort of their local government has been described as the first localized mass COVID-19 testing program in the country.4 As early as mid-April, cities like Manila, Quezon City, and Valenzuela began localized or targeted testing for people who most likely have the virus.
Among the commendable efforts came from the local government of Pasig City. On the onset of the growing pandemic, its leadership began closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) after reports that one of its residents contracted the virus. In addition, an infected person was also confined in a hospital in Pasig. The city government had mobilized its employees in implementing the protocols set by the DOH. “We must make decisions based on set protocol and guidance from experts in the field, not public opinion or pressure,” the young mayor Vico Sotto stated.
The city governments of Pasig and of Marikina were praised for immediately conducting massive disinfection of public spaces, along with taking health and socio-economic measures for their citizens.5 Innovative approaches were also seen, such as the utilization of drones in disinfecting city streets in Pasig.6
In Muntinlupa City, the local government implemented the restriction of activities of its constituents to prevent the spread of the virus.7 Along with the orders of closure of several recreational establishments, curfew hours were also imposed. Located in the city is the Department of Health-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM), which began strengthening its outbreak response through the training of their representatives from subnational laboratories (SNLs) in screening of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)—the virus that causes COVID-19.8
Unravelling our weaknesses
Manifesting what has been unfortunately ingrained in our culture, we Filipinos were quick to attribute the virus to the Chinese mainlanders that have been ubiquitous in our archipelago. Not only did the outbreak unleash panic among us, it also again uncovered the xenophobic tendencies that we have.
Then came the usual politicking, proving that a state of public health emergency is not enough to set aside interests. The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner Manuelito Luna sought to have Vice President Leni Robredo to be investigated, alleging that she is competing with the national government’s response to the outbreak. Days later, he was sacked by no less than President Duterte himself9—the most prominent political opponent of Robredo’s political party. This only proves that in this time of crisis, the government faces a two-pronged challenge: To curb the spread of the disease, and to do away with the nonsense bickering. Nevertheless, politics continued to hinder further collaboration in addressing the national emergency.
Earlier, messages and social media posts claim that the government raided The Medical City, Pasig and other private hospitals, taking away their personal protective equipment (PPE). The news alleged that the PPEs were repackaged and donated under Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go’s name. However, The Medical City immediately released a statement disproving the said news.10 Even at a time when the nation faces a daunting challenge, malicious fake news further the rift amongst us. Regardless of political agenda, misinformation continues to be a bane to our struggling people.
The nationwide campaign of practicing personal hygiene and proper etiquette for coughing and sneezing were complemented by other protocols. Among the regulations imposed by the government is the practice of ‘social distancing’ amongst the citizens. This entails providing at least a meter of distance “to reduce contact and limit the possible spread of the virus.” Wearing of face masks became compulsory, as well. However, the irony is that despite the worsening of the health crisis, the authorities and even the citizens fail to substantially observe the precautionary measures. Despite the limitations, communities struggled to carry on with the usual day-to-day activities. Even if mobility was restricted, the majority of the people had no choice but to adapt and continue with their livelihood to sustain their families.
Although some Filipinos were able to shift towards working from home, the ongoing crisis made the circumstances more difficult to the common working man. Lack of available transportation meant extra expenses in commuting or walking longer distances. Several businesses were severely affected, especially the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—over half of which in the country had fully stopped or closed their operations due to the pandemic. This caused instability of employment and worse, loss of several jobs. According to a recent study, around 8 million Filipinos could lose their jobs this year—equivalent to a projected 18.5% unemployment rate.11 IBON Foundation, an independent think tank, urged the government to spend P297 billion a month for cash transfers, wage subsidies, assistance to allow workers, farmers and fisherfolk to spend and boost aggregate demand in order to revive the economy.12
In the countryside, our farmers also felt the ripple of COVID-19. While some food-producing provinces like Benguet and Tarlac experience an oversupply of vegetables, food and relief measures in many areas became scarce, resulting in both income loss and food wastage.13 Given the transportation restrictions during the prolonged quarantine period, farmers could no longer easily sell and transport their produce. This situation led farmers into selling even their high-value crops for significantly lower prices. The dire situation of our agricultural sector is worsened by the effects of COVID-19, prompting the national government, as well as the local government units, to extend financial assistance to the farmers and fisherfolk. Nevertheless, this highlights the fact that further government subsidy is fundamental to an efficient agricultural sector that can sustain the needs of the people, especially during a time of national emergency.
This worldwide crisis hit hard on the tens of thousands of our overseas Filipino workers (OFW). According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are a total of 9,305 confirmed COVID-19 cases among Filipinos residing in 70 different countries and regions abroad.14 The DFA had been able to repatriate 82,057 OFWs15 and is eyeing to bring back more by the end of July.16 Several of those laid-off from their employment struggle to survive before being repatriated. What is more painful is the uncertainty they face when they return to our country. According to the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), reintegration and livelihood programs for OFWs are being implemented by the government. For a country that has been systematically exporting its manpower and professionals abroad for decades, to address the surge of returning OFWs is a gargantuan challenge in itself.
The initial month-long nationwide suspension of classes was a mere prelude to the challenges faced by students during the crisis. The shift from a physical classroom setting to virtual/online learning platforms became the alternative solution for the continuation of classes. Notwithstanding such an option, a significant number of students are placed in an unfavorable position. Access to internet connection remains to be limited throughout the archipelago. More so, access to the gadgets used for online learning remains to be a privilege to the majority of pupils. Just recently, the Department of Education (DepEd) suffered a budget cut of P8.4 billion to be realigned to the government’s COVID-19 countermeasures.17 Considering the realities on the ground is equally as important as carrying on with the classes during the pandemic. The quality of learning depends now on the availability of means to be used by the teachers and by the students in a non-traditional platform for the time being.
According to the WHO, a total of 106,330 COVID-19 nationwide cases have been reported in the Philippines.18 From a handful of reported cases last March, the virus uncontrollably spread to a number of people now surpassing the recorded cases in China, which is 88,574.19 Even the local government units which have shown promising efforts in addressing the crisis are now overwhelmed by the number of cases. The DOH has recently announced that hospitals nationwide have reached 50% capacity, falling in the Department’s “warning zone.”20 The ranks of our medical front liners have suffered losses and continuous vulnerability to the deadly virus.
The grueling months left our healthcare system overwhelmed. Through a letter addressed to the President, the Secretary of Health and the Chief Implementer of the National Taskforce (NTF) COVID-19, dated August 1, 2020, several medical associations representing tens of thousands of our doctors called for the return of Mega Manila to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) for a period of two weeks.21 The plea emphasized the “need to draw up a consolidated, definitive plan of action.” Subsequently, Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan were placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from August 4 to 18.22
This global crisis highlighted the deeply rooted selective justice in our country. While activists are arrested for alleged violation of community quarantine guidelines, several National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) cops who gather in celebration of their chief’s mañanita were never held accountable for disregarding quarantine protocols. This exposes that those entrusted by the public to enforce the regulations cannot even set themselves as the prime examples of compliance.
The national government’s response was also criticized for veering away from the proper public health approach. Dr. Gene Nisperos of the University of the Philippines – College of Medicine raised that instead of taking on a public health approach, the government ended up framing the response into a “discipline narrative.”23 An overkill response also caused the death of ex-military Winston Ragos, who was unarmed when he was shot to death by a policeman after an altercation at a quarantine control point.
Amidst the confusion, this health crisis reveals more and more the reality we are part of. It is the truth that the malfeasance of our public officials weakens the very institutions that play a crucial role in these times of crisis, and the rampant impunity worsens the problem. These disgusting examples of selective justice only show that the gangrene of state oppression and public incompetency emanates an undeniable stench. A stench no amount of whitewashing can remove nor totally hide.
Simultaneous to the current pandemic, there is something else looming in our midst—the probability of a different form of crisis. Two recent events exposed our beleaguered civil and political rights: the controversial denial of the ABS-CBN Corporation’s application for broadcasting franchise and the passage of Republic Act No. 11479, otherwise known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. These actions by the government were slammed by members of the media and human rights activists for being carried out at a time of national crisis. Many have also seen these as clandestine efforts of subduing dissent. In the middle of a national crisis, a group of local executives, push for Charter change in a bid to remove term limits. Are the symptoms all too familiar?
What lies ahead
The new normal has taken a toll to many of us. Time for work or school, as the case may be, overlaps with the time we spend at home tending to blur the distinction. Social interaction has been way different than before. Restrictions in activities pose both physical and mental health risks. Nonetheless, we have no choice but to adapt and carry on.
At the same time, the long-standing realities remain. With the current state of our healthcare system, health workers and professionals, steadfast in their noble duty, continue to bear the brunt of this pandemic aggravated by other factors. A large number of Filipinos are left to fend for themselves as the conditions get harder. Another painful year for students who would be forced to drop out from school. The ordinary Filipino still has to toil in order to survive and of course, pay for the national government’s burgeoning P 9.05 trillion outstanding debt.24
Perhaps several of us still fail to realize the worsening repercussions of this crisis from our privileged point of view. May we not realize it too late because of indifference or delusional loyalty. Failure to act accordingly to the times will be our own undoing—only to find out later that we were on the wrong side of history.
Indeed, we are facing a generation-defining era wherein our acts and inactions today will later define our society. Life, liberty, and property are threatened by natural and man-made menaces. Our apathy during this crisis will only abet the opportunism of unscrupulous men in power. Our collective attitude today will either make or break us as a people.
The virus is not the only enemy. In a time like this, we could look back at the problems our nation faced and be reminded of our admirable resilience. However, the Filipino resilience has its limits. This COVID-19 outbreak will later on pass, yet our nation will continue to be diagnosed, corrupted. Disasters and calamities come and go, but incompetence and greed remain. These have survived generations and regimes and placed men into thrones perpetuating the system. A system that has been subduing us into destituteness. We may hold high our hopes in times of crisis, but we cannot deny that our resilience has long been taken advantage of.
In every crisis, our salvation relies on one thing—our solidarity. The blunders during this global pandemic serve as reminders for us to work together towards addressing this predicament. After all, what’s at stake is our very survival.◾
References:
1 World Health Organization. (2020, May 9). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/philippines/emergencies/covid-19-in-the-philippines
2 Lopez, V. (2020, March 9). Duterte convenes inter-agency body as COVID-19 cases rise to 20. Retrieved from GMA News Online: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/728975/duterte-convenes-inter-agency-body-as-covid-19-cases-rise-to-20/story/
3 Talabong, R. (2020, March 26). Fighting coronavirus: How Manila stays ahead of the curve – for now. Retrieved from Rappler: https://rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/how-manila-stays-ahead-coronavirus-curve-for-now
4 Alindogan, J. (2020, April 12). Philippines: Valenzuela city begins mass localised testing. Retrieved from Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/philippines-valenzuela-city-begins-mass-localised-testing-200411203022883.html
5 Clarin, A. (2020, March 21). Pasig, Marikina praised for COVID-19 response. Retrieved from Bulatlat: https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/03/21/pasig-marikina-praised-for-covid-19-response/
6 ABS-CBN News. (2020, March 19). Pasig buys disinfection drones, turns motels to quarantine and staff lodging: Vico Sotto. Retrieved from ABS-CBN News: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/19/20/pasig-buys-disinfection-drones-turns-motels-to-quarantine-and-staff-lodging-vico-sotto
7 Manila Standard. (2020, March 19). Muntinlupa sets stricter rules on quarantine. Retrieved from Manila Standard: https://manilastandard.net/lgu/ncr/320031/muntinlupa-sets-stricter-rules-on-quarantine.html
8 Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. (March, 11 2020). RITM strengthens subnational labs, COVID-19 response. Retrieved from Research Institute for Tropical Medicine: http://ritm.gov.ph/itm-strengthens-subnational-labs-covid-19-response/
9 Tomacruz, S. (3, April 2020). Duterte fires PACC Commissioner Luna for pushing probe vs Robredo. Retrieved from Rappler: https://rappler.com/nation/duterte-fires-pacc-commissioner-manuelito-luna
10 Magsino, D. (2020, April 2). Medical City denies raid of its PPEs. Retrieved from GMA News: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/732319/medical-city-denies-raid-on-its-ppes/story/
11 de Vera, B. O. (2020, July 13). Study: 8M Filipinos to lose jobs as virus overwhelms economy. Retrieved from Inquirer.net: https://business.inquirer.net/302441/study-8m-filipinos-to-lose-jobs-as-virus-overwhelms-economy
12 Ordinario, C. (2020, July 21). IBON suggests new tack in govt’s cash aid program. Retrieved from BusinessMirror: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/07/21/ibon-suggests-new-tack-in-govts-cash-aid-program/
13 Mirasol, P. (2020, May 25). Farmers and fisherfolk share Covid-19 stories from the field. Retrieved from SparkUp – BusinessWorld: https://www.bworldonline.com/sparkup-community-farmers-and-fisherfolk-share-covid-19-stories-from-the-field/
14 As of July 28, 2020
15 As of July 13, 2020
17 Domingo, K. (2020, June 11). After P8-B realignment, DepEd asks DBM: ‘No further’ budget cuts for COVID-19 countermeasures. Retrieved from ABS-CBN News: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/11/20/after-p8-b-realignment-deped-asks-dbm-no-further-budget-cuts-for-covid-19-countermeasures
18 World Health Organization. (2020, August 4). Philippines Situation. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/country/ph
19 World Health Organization. (2020, August 4). China Situation. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/country/cn
17 Talabong, R. (2020, March 26). Fighting coronavirus: How Manila stays ahead of the curve – for now. Retrieved from Rappler: https://rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/how-manila-stays-ahead-coronavirus-curve-for-now
20 Jiao, C. (2020, July 28). Philippine Hospitals in ‘Warning Zone’ as Cases Keep Rising. Retrieved from Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-28/philippine-hospitals-in-warning-zone-as-cases-keep-rising
21 Barcelo, V., Zurbano, J. E., & Cruz, M. V. (2020, August 2). Frontliners plead for ‘timeout’. Retrieved from Manila Standard: https://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/330241
22 Tomacruz, S. (2020, August 3). After frontliners’ plea, Duterte reverts Metro Manila to MECQ starting August 4. Retrieved from Rappler: https://rappler.com/nation/after-frontliners-plea-duterte-reverts-metro-manila-mecq-starting-august-4-2020
23 Sabillo, K. (2020, June 25). Experts lament Philippines’ ‘militaristic’ approach vs. COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved from ABS-CBN News: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/25/20/experts-lament-philippines-militaristic-approach-vs-covid-19-pandemic
24 de Vera, B. O. (2020, July 29). P83,239: Each Filipino’s share of P9.05T debt as of end-June. Retrieved from Inquirer: https://business.inquirer.net/303886/p83329-each-filipinos-share-of-p9-05t-debt-as-of-end-june