In a press conference last August 24, Vice President Leni Robredo presented eleven recommendations after meeting with several researchers, analysts, and other experts to support and augment the COVID-19 response of the national government.

1: “Healthcare and the economy are not in conflict with each other.”

VP Leni suggested that the government craft a quick, comprehensive, and science-based plan to address the pandemic. By doing so, the economy will resume its operations. She reiterated that “Healthcare and the economy are not in conflict with each other.” 

Under this, the suggestions are to extend tremendous support to the medical sector; make evidence-based decisions through efficient and rapid data-gathering; have expansive, efficient, and faster COVID-19 testing and turnover; and use contact tracing apps to improve the present rate of contact tracing.

2: Contact tracing

Still related to contact tracing, the second recommendation suggests the employment of more contact tracers. Many of those listed under the Listahan database of the DSWD can be hired as contact tracers through cash for work programs of LGUs.

3: Ensure no one falls into poverty

For the VP, those who have become unemployed must not fall into poverty. Creating an unemployment insurance system and providing partial income, counselling, re-training, and job matching can be able to prevent this.

4: Shift industries towards COVID-19 responses.

Empowering businesses and industries to shift their operations towards COVID-19 responses was also recommended by VP Leni. This suggests that the government release step-by-step guidelines to empower industries to create products and services that meet the medical standards instead of restricting and policing them.

5: Use of online platforms for MSMEs 

There is a need for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to shift towards digital operations, according to the Vice President. Opening of bank accounts also need to be made easier to ensure more people will be able to sign up for online modes of payment. Effectively shifting towards online means can help maintain the economy and protect both workers and consumers from COVID-19.

6: Support MSMEs

The Vice President also called for the support of MSMEs to prevent them from closing. She suggests allocating funds for those who can commit to keep their employees employed and strengthening LGUs to support these small businesses by guiding them in finding loans, creating business plans, and managing their finances.

7: Overseas Filipino Workers

OFWs who have been repatriated and/or are unable to return to their jobs must be provided reintegration and livelihood programs on top of coordinating with foreign embassies.

8: Prevent hunger

On top of the financial assistance given by the government, much more needs to be allocated to prevent hunger, especially in our most vulnerable sectors. Voicing the concerns of those who lack money to provide resources for themselves, VP Leni said that giving P5000 monthly for four months to the 10 million poorest families is a small price to pay to save Filipinos from hunger.

9: Strengthen agriculture

Strengthen agriculture and other related sectors. Extend necessary support and infrastructures to farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers such as farm-to-market roads and cold storage facilities. This will help augment their income while at the same time, keep agriculture alive, which has emerged to be the economy’s most resilient sector.

10: Address income inequality

This calls for fair wages of employees that match their contribution to society and to ensure sufficient benefits, resources, and other related support are provided. Health workers and teachers were also highlighted as they serve as front liners and the last line of defense, respectively, amid this pandemic.

11: Wider internet access

Provide wider internet access across the country as many of the recommendations listed above require better digital infrastructure and technologies for efficient nation-building. She suggests that the government put up shared cell sites in low-signal areas so that more people can continue working or studying amid the pandemic.

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Alec Templonuevo
Managing editor for Online Media