WEEK 1 - Discussion

Discussion Forum

QUESTIONS:
Looking into the PHILIPPINE situation and context, as the coronavirus is mutating:

1. What can you say about the government’s initiative in addressing the COVID 19 Pandemic? How do you feel about it?

It is evident that the Philippine government has yet to prove the effectiveness of their "initiative" to help the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the virus arrived in the Philippines, the government had refused to implement a travel ban until the first case of the virus had been reported back in January 2020. From the ABS-CBN shutdown, Manila Bay "rehabilitation" to the gruesome Anti-Terror Law, the government's "response" towards the pandemic seemed like misplaced priorities. I could not have been more frustrated and disappointed with the government's actions, as it seemed to be more dangerous than the actual virus itself. Instead of mass testing and providing support to Filipinos, they instead prioritized red-tagging and killing hundreds of people who oppose the government.

2. What can you do as a student to help solve the pandemic and current crisis it caused in our country, the Philippines?

There is not much that I can really do to solve the crisis but to follow protocol and be aware of my surroundings. I always stay at home to lessen the chances of getting the virus and bring harm to my family. Since the new normal set-up for students is to be always on our gadgets, I try to maximize this advantage by trying to educate myself and help spread information about recent happenings online. It is inevitable that as the cases continue to rise, misinformation and fake news surface as well. As a student, a member of an organization, and a member of society, it is my responsibility to become knowledgeable and critical as it can help us disseminate truthful information. In connection with that, I often use my platforms to help amplify the news and call out the unjust actions of the government to spread awareness.

3. One of the reasons being pointed out why covid-19 cases rise in the Philippines is the lack of discipline of Filipinos. Do you agree with this? Why? Cite specific examples to support your answer.

I disagree with that statement, unless it was specifically pointed towards those who are privileged enough. I believe that it is only those who are privileged enough are those who are able to follow protocol, since they have the capability to stay at home, ask others to go out for them, and even get tested for the virus multiple times. Those under the informal sector don't have a lot of choice, as buying face masks and face shields is topped over by prioritizing their families' needs first. With implemented curfews, it is more likely that they will be punishing or arresting those who classify under the lower classes, but it is not their fault if they have to work or go out only to provide enough money just to pay for their food and shelter. These actions done by the government are anti-poor, as it will only make the impoverished people suffer and die from deprivation, not from the COVID-19 virus. With that, we should hold the government accountable and call them out for not prioritizing the lives of every Filipino out here.

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