MANILA, Philippines — Chief implementer of the government’s efforts against COVID-19 Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. dispelled the “survival of the fittest” notion of some as quarantine measures in Metro Manila were eased.
During an online Palace briefing, Galvez said Filipinos have been following protocols of the national government based on his observation.
“Hindi naman siguro tama yung matira-matibay kasi talagang tinitignan namin, pati nga kami nila DTI [Department of Trade and Industry], kami umiikot kami ng mga NCRPO [National Capital Region Police Office], nakikita namin talaga yung mga tao naman talaga medyo sumusunod din sa atin,” Galvez said.
(Maybe it’s not right to say matira-matibay because we are observing, together with the DTI and NCRPO, and we see that the public is somehow complying with the guidelines.)
Noting that there are still fewer mall-goers, Galvez recognized local government units (LGUs) for its strict protocols to curb the virus’ spread.
“Alam niyo, 20 percent pa lang ang pumupunta na mga tao kasi malaki rin ang takot ng mga tao. Nakakawa nga ang ating mga business sector kasi walang pumapasok sa kanilang mga stalls,” Galvez said.
(There is some 20 percent of people going since they are still scared. The business sector is actually pitiful since there is no one entering their stalls.)
“Natutuwa nga kami kasi yung mga LGU natin sa Metro Manila at tsaka yung mga business sector, mas mataas pa ang kanilang awareness talaga, even stricter pa sa IATF yung mga pinatutupad nila,” he added.
(We are happy that the LGU in Metro Manila and the business sector have high awareness and are even stricter than the IATF.)
With the shift to GCQ, Galvez said it will increase economic activity that could serve as “breathing space” for millions of workers affected by the lockdown.