3rd Quarter | Week 1 | Discussion

 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?

                The Philippine government’s response to the Coronavirus was simply lacking. Their incompetence to immediately implement rules and policies to prevent the exacerbation of the problem makes me question their qualifications and integrity in leading this country.

                Rather than facing the problem head-on, the government stalled and waited until the public unease accumulated to the point where they are forced to take action. When they did take action, the implementations are done poorly, containing contradictions and misinformation that only led to mass confusion.

Also, it is questionable that the president appointed retired military generals to lead the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) of COVID-19 instead of actual medical practitioners. In fact, advice given by health experts was ignored in some of the IATF’s decisions. This either shows the government’s lack of skills and education in handling the problem or their lack of care in guarding the health and safety of Filipinos in general. Either way, no amount of excuse can save them from their inadequacy.

If the government says that they are doing their best regarding the matter, I only fear seeing them handle this at their worst. Seeing the numerous blunders of the government (that was seemingly done on purpose) really makes me worry for the future of this country.

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

                As a student, even the simplest act of obediently staying inside the house goes a long way. Sure, forgoing social gatherings can be disheartening and I miss my friends, but this is a matter of life and death. The virus can and will attack anybody it comes in contact with so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

                Letting my mother do the groceries is helpful to prevent high risks of contamination. If I want to shop for something, I either tell my mother or I opt for online shopping.

                If I personally have to go outside to do something urgently, I would wear a face mask and a face shield properly while having an alcohol sprayer in my person at all times. Constant practice of sanitation is also necessary when I touch objects outside my house. If soap and water are not available, I would use alcohol. I also observe social distancing (staying 6 feet away from people and avoiding crowded areas) when I’m out. When I go home after my errand, I will disinfect my discarded clothes with alcohol then take a shower.

                Lastly, the most I could do to help solve the pandemic is to spread awareness to the people around me. If I see someone not following the health protocols, I will tell them politely.

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.

                Based on my observation, I am certain that the lack of discipline plays a huge role in the spike of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. Every time I go outside, I am met with numerous malpractices of the virus’ health protocols.

Most people don’t bother to wear face masks properly. Some would often wear it around their chins every time they speak to other people, and some would wear it with their noses poking out, defeating the face mask’s purpose. When it comes to social distancing, most would often forget the 6-feet rule and would continue to invade other people’s personal space.

Perhaps the lack of stricter implementation plays a huge role in this. I notice that people are more likely to follow the rules when there are authorities present. Simply put, there are no penalties for disobeying COVID-19’s health protocols, so people do not feel accountable for their disobedience.

People’s lax attitude around the virus can be associated with the poor implementation of rules. However, that should not an excuse. Discipline starts with one’s self. We should hold ourselves accountable instead of waiting for someone else to point out our mistakes. The lack of accountability does not lessen the virus’s fatality.