Experts believe the government plays an important role in preventing the worsening of COVID-19 pandemic effects on the socio-economic aspect of the country.
Medical Anthropologist Dr. Michael Tan said the situation of the country can be likened to a COVID-19 vulnerable person.
“Meron din tayong mga pre-existing condition. Unang-una nga ang poverty level, napakataas. Kaya grabe ang tama dito noong nawalan ng trabaho. (We have pre-existing conditions. First is the very high poverty level. That is why the impact was severe when jobs were lost). We have to find urban housing for our informal settlers,” Tan analyzed.
Tan mentioned that the middle class should not also be neglected since everybody is affected by the pandemic.
Meanwhile, experts admitted the country is facing a big challenge in terms of culture and tradition such as in burial, weddings, and sporting events due to imposed restrictions. They pointed out that education must be given attention amid the transition to online classes and the challenge brought about by slow internet connection.
“Hindi pwedeng mag-lecture ng tatlong oras ‘yung teacher na into Zoom (The teacher who is into Zoom cannot lecture for three hours). People will leave and all. So we have to re-examine that. (The Commission on Higher Education) CHED and the government must provide more resources,” Tan added. – Report from Mark Fetalco
