DALAWANG PISO: Thoughts of the Pandemic (And How We Will Survive)

It is already stressful to be inside the house everyday for weeks now. Almost everywhere in the world is experiencing that as well, even industrialized nations. This virus was not only a test of healthcare policies and solutions, but also governments on how they handle them from the national departments to local government units. In the Philippines, the nation now has the Enhanced Community Quarantine, and placed Luzon under lock down. Other provinces in Visayas and Mindanao also followed as their own initiative.

I do get out just to buy supplies good for days and see the outside world or our side of the small city of Mandaluyong. Seeing the difference from the busy city to almost a deserted one seems like one of those dsytopian films and books. But it is necessary move to flatten the curve and avoid mass infections and deaths. Economically it hurts but still the best move to avoid deaths which will also lead to a crumbling society. 

Here is the Transcript of President Duterte's Speech on April 1.

Sharing the full transcript of President Duterte's Speech on April 1 addressing the ongoing Corona Virus Pandemic.

NATION ADDRESS OF

PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

ON CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) PANDEMIC

[Malacañan Palace, Manila | 01 April 2020]

Telemedicine seen to assist in limiting spread of COVID-19 and decongesting hospitals

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines continues to escalate, the general public may take advantage of telemedicine services to avail of medical advice especially when staying at home or under quarantine.

Maridol D. Ylanan, CEO of Global Telehealth, Inc. which runs KonsultaMD, said telemedicine is a viable alternative to visits to hospital emergency rooms which should be reserved for more critical situations.

Who Really Made A Difference This Times Of COVID-19

This pandemic has really changed almost every nation on earth today, even the industrialized nations are scrambling on what measures to do during these times. In containing and flattening the curve of infection, everyone is asked to do their part as normal activities are halted and everyone is advised to practice social distancing and proper hand washing.

The government as a national response did propose measures such as the Enhanced Community Quarantine which places the island of Luzon into strict measures to restrict flow of people and reduce infection. However it does feel that many of the provisions and memorandum have a lot of questions needed to be clarified in which makes the situation more complicated. With public transportation stopped, it also affects the frontliners who are the most critical force of the situation are put into more stress and risk.

#FightCOVID19: GCash users may now support frontline health workers and hospitals via fintech platform

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, encourages Filipinos to support the #FightCOVID19 campaign, a digital donation drive that aims to assist the frontline health workers and hospitals combat the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 

The donation drive, done via the GCash app, will provide GCash users with an avenue to support the ongoing collective initiative to mitigate the spread of the global pandemic in the country. By donating money via GCash, Filipinos no longer have to physically go to the offices of social groups or hospitals to support the fight against the deadly virus. 

Proceeds of #FightCOVID19 will be equally divided among the seven non-government organization partners of GCash, namely: the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), World Vision, UP Medical Foundation, PGH Foundation, Inc., ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, and Ayala Foundation. 

Caritas Manila To Provide Ligtas COVID-19 Kits to Poor Families in Metro Manila

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Luzon under Enhanced Community Quarantine (Lockdown) from March 17 to April 12 suspending all means of public transportation. Everyone is advised to stay inside their homes as the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases intensify its efforts to identify and isolate confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Many poor families in Metro Manila, even before the declaration of the Community Quarantine, are already unable to purchase food and basic protection needs against COVID-19. More than the virus, they’re afraid that the lockdown will deprive them of livelihood.

“We won’t last a month here. We won’t even last a few days if my husband doesn’t earn a living,” a woman living in Baseco, Tondo Manla said in an interview.  

Leverage digital technology to reduce risk of viral transmission

Filipinos are now scrambling to keep their home supplies at bay, as the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread in various parts of the country, and a community quarantine has been ordered in certain areas of the archipelago. 

In Metro Manila alone, some grocery stores have seen their shelves almost wiped out of stocks, as people stockpile their homes with food and other grocery items to prepare their families for more stringent quarantine measures. 

This means that the exchange of paper money is faster than ever, and money is circulating from one hand to another without prejudice to whoever handled the banknotes before people and merchants ultimately keep them in their wallets or cash registers. 

Cebu Pacific Advisory: Operations during Community Quarantine period

March 16, 2020 (as of 4:00 pm)

ALL Cebu Pacific DOMESTIC flights to and from Manila remain CANCELLED until April 14 (Tuesday), in line with the Philippine government directive for a community quarantine over Metro Manila to contain the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

On top of this, there are constant updates to the travel restrictions being imposed by various Philippine and International Governments. These orders restrict our ability to mount flights and accommodate passengers affected by cancellations. We continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on any changes to our flights.

At this time, Cebu Pacific CONTINUES to operate the following flights to and from the following hubs: