Robredo outlines programs to cope with COVID-19

July 29, 2020

Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday said just waiting for the vaccine will not stop the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from spreading as she suggested some actions and plans to help the government.

Robredo, in a video message,said at this point the number of COVID-19 cases in the country increased by 1,000 daily and a lot of Filipinos were affected by it.

“We will not be able to stop the pandemic by just waiting for a vaccine. This must be stopped from spreading as soon as possible,” she added.

Robredo said right decisions comes from right data and if the response in terms of healthcare, such as mass testing, contact tracing and support to community and hospitals, is correct, community transmission will be controlled and the opening of the economy will be much faster and strategic.

Robredo said all their feedback came from experts, doctors and those who are most affected by the pandemic: the community, frontliners, workers, drivers, and locally stranded individuals.

“These are the broad strokes of the plan. I know that the government is aware of this. But there is a huge crisis, and there’s a lot of things to do. That’s why we need to be agile in identifying the gaps and be quick in filling them up,” Robredo said.

Robredo urged the government to fast track and clean their data gathering regarding  COVID-19 and there should be a communications campaign for all patients.

She also asked them to include universities and academic institutions in the Department of Health’s (DOH) validation process and make sure turnover time of tests will be faster.

As to the locally stranded individuals, she recommended they get a free swab test before they will be sent home. There should also be an organized process for them so they will not be exposed to further infections.

“In addition, we should focus and give strength to our LGUs so that once LSI go home, they will have income. This can be done through cash-for-work programs,” Robredo said.

Robredo agreed with the government’s “whole of nation approach” by letting public health professionals lead in solving the problem,  private and public sectors being united to assure of systematic pouring of resources for hospitals.

Robredo said the government should take care of  healthcare workers and provide them with everything they needed, including access to counseling and justifiable salary.

“There should be a reasonable consensus based on one strategy and everyone should move without hesitation, reluctance, or hindrance,” she said.

“The pandemic is the root of the problem; if this will be effectively addressed then we can address the other challenges,” she added.

Robredo also asked for safety nets for persons affected by COVID-19.

“The government is suggesting the passage of CREATE Bill to lower the tax of different companies and more investors will enter the Philippines. This is a good purpose but it is not enough,” Robredo said.

Robredo called for the passage of the ARISE bill to assure additional funds for programs such as Department of Labor and Employement’s (DOLE) wage subsidies and cash-for-work.

“It is clear that ARISE focus more on those who are in need; it is more inclusive and pro-poor. Let’s use the force of the Congress to pass this law as soon as possible,” she said.

Robredo recommended giving tax incentives to companies that will assist those who are affected by the pandemic and using the whole economic cluster, including academics and private sectors, to help in determining what areas are greatly affected and find ways on how to address the problem.

Robredo added that there should be buffer stocks of supplies needed by every household like vitamins, soap, alcohol, face masks; and other basic necessities, and the government must prioritize local businesses.

“Make sure that the supply chain will not be interrupted. Monitor local producers: Support them with technology so that they can produce more and a lot of people can by local (products),” she said.

As to the Social Amelioration Program, Robredo said poverty statistics must be updated and the process must be systemized so that those who are qualified will be prioritized.

Robredo also asked economic managers to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and more funds should be allotted to the agriculture sector.

“A lot of people can be helped if the project will came from the basic philosophy: Empowerment of Filipino for them to determine their own fate. Most importantly: make sure that laws will be implemented fairly for everyone,” she said.

In terms of education, Robredo called on private schools to not give students and parents unreasonable restrictions and requirements

“What they need is help and empowerment...so that they can be allowed to start distance learning,” she said.

Robredo said every barangay should have an internet hub so students who don’t have their own gadgets can have access on resources online.

She said the government must give devices to students in need and teachers must have capacity building so that they can catch up with the requirements of distance learning.

Parents must have modules so they can conduct home schooling and identify communities with no COVID transmission and lack internet access for possible limited face-to-face classes, she said.

For families who lost their loved ones due to the pandemic, Robredo said government should give other support to them aside from the social amelioration program.

“One way to address this: Expand scholarship program to help those who got affected by COVID: Those who are forced to use their savings, those who are in debt because of hospital billings, or those who lost their jobs. Give scholarships to those who lost their loved ones,” she said.

Robredo said everyone is in one side during this crisis and being aware of the truth is the key in facing the challenge of COVID.

“We can see this in other countries which had effective response on the pandemic. It’s not too much to hope that we can also do what Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand, did,” she said.

She said these countries had clear and precise steps, focused on their resources and help each other.

“We can also do it. We have enough skills, resources and knowledge,” she said.

''We are creative. We are capable. And of all the challenges that we face—disaster, war, dictatorship, occupation—one thing is sure: We were able to pass through it because we didn’t work individually; we expand the scope of our concern; we treat every Filipino as an ally, we find for them, we love them,” she added.

Robredo said Filipinos are  ready to help each other.

“Filipinos are not inutile, but they are bravely and intelligently facing challenges. Filipinos are not losers. And I’m sure that we will win against this pandemic,” she added. Ella Dionisio/DMS