Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 29) — Vice President Leni Robredo presented a list of recommendations for the country to address the COVID-19 pandemic which includes using a unified strategy and getting help from experts in academic institutions.
In a recorded message aired on Tuesday, Robredo urged the government not to just wait for a vaccine before acting on the crisis.
“Nagsisimula ang lahat sa tamang datos,” she said in her speech. “Mula dito, matutukoy ang kung sino at aling mga lugar ang dapat tutukan pagdating sa mass testing, contact tracing, at suporta sa mga komunidad at ospital.”
[Translation: It starts with the right data and from here, you can pinpoint which areas you can focus on mass testing and contact tracing and whose communities and hospitals need support.]
In order to address problems in data backlogs, Robredo suggested accepting help from experts who have offered platforms to centralize data. She said there should also be a “communication campaign” for healthcare workers to handle data validation.
Robredo also stressed that there should be a unified platform and process for contact tracing. She cited Baguio City’s model as an example.
“Tumukoy na tayo agad ng iisang platform at technology… at imungkahi sa mga LGU na ito ang gamitin kaysa magkanya-kanyang diskarte,” she said.
[Translation: Let us follow one platform and technology and suggest this to the LGUs so they won’t just be left to their own devices.]
Robredo said locally stranded individuals in Metro Manila should also be given free swab tests before leaving for their home provinces. When they arrive in their destinations, the local government units should ensure that they will have a source of livelihood, Robredo said.
The Vice President maintained that her suggestions are based on consultations with different sectors over the past five months.
Support local
To help the economy recover from the impact of the crisis, Robredo said the government must support local products and businesses as well as micro, small and medium enterprises.
She also expressed support for the CREATE and ARISE bills which seek to create incentives to attract investors and to set up a ₱1.3 trillion stimulus package.
The government should also identify which industries are low-risk and look at them as opportunities for workers who have no means of working from home, she added.
As for the social amelioration program or cash aid, Robredo recommended a central database to identify who to prioritise.
Back to school
As for education, Robredo urged to refrain from burdening private schools with too many requirements for flexible learning.
“Ang kailangan nila, tulong at empowerment—hindi patung-patong na papeles,” she argued.
[Translation: What they need is help and empowerment – not mounds of paperwork]
Each barangay should also have its own “internet hub” to allow internet and digital access to students without gadgets, Robredo said.
Help should also be extended to the teachers and parents, she added, by giving training and modules on how to conduct distance learning and home schooling.
Robredo also supported teaching back in the classrooms only in areas with no COVID-19 community transmission. She also proposed scholarships for dependents of those who died from the disease.
The Vice President encouraged the public not to lose hope in the battle against COVID-19.
“Hindi talunan ang Pilipino,” she said. “Kinaya na natin ang marami pang ibang hamon, at kakayanin natin ito.”
[Translation: The Filipino is not a quitter. We overcame many obstacles and we will get through this.]
