File photo
MANILA – Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the country should put its focus on continuing the upward trend of the economy as OCTA Research Group sees “smooth sailing” conditions in the first six months of 2022.
“...So we should sail while the sun is shining. Let’s get enough momentum to push for growth in the first half of the year,” Concepcion said in a statement Thursday.
He added that instead of being in a “state of constant fear” due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis, the country should be ready for a transition.
“I think Filipinos want to move on. Nobody wants to stay in a pandemic mindset and live in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety. We must make a clear transition from being afraid to be hopeful,” the Go Negosyo founder said.
As OCTA Research expects daily new cases to drop to around 1,000 to 2,000-level by the end of this month, Concepcion said the country should de-escalate to Alert Level 1, which should also be called the “new normal”.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s adviser also listed measures that will help the government in gaining economic momentum while managing the Covid-19 cases.
These include:
-- placing areas with a vaccination rate of at least 70 percent under “new normal”;
-- imposing of minimum public health protocols and mandatory wearing of face mask instead of mobility restrictions;
-- strict implementation of minimum health standards during political rallies amid the ongoing campaign period;
-- requiring vaccination cards at indoor business establishments;
-- replacing primary vaccination cards with ‘booster cards’ as a requirement for entry in establishments;
-- prioritizing those who get their primary vaccines first for booster shots;
-- starting face-to-face classes by June for fully vaccinated students with no unvaccinated household members; and
-- return of employees to workplaces to boost economic activities in transport, food, and retail.
“This would be a great way for the administration to finish its term. Ending on a high note, with a protected population and a healthy economy is a legacy any sitting President would be happy to have,” Concepcion said. (PNA)
