THE curve has not been flattened yet. The reign of Covid-19 is far from over. Responsible local government unit (LGU) leaders should look forward to what must be done when we reach the new normal. Are you ready with your exit plan?
Our top leaders should be ready by now. Here in Negros, we are racing towards “Tiempo Muerto,” the dead season in the sugar industry. The sugarcane planters have already closed their fields and are just waiting for their “lazy man’s grass” to grow until harvest time.
There is scarcity of work in the haciendas or no work at all. Did our mayors sit down with the “hacenderos” and discuss what could be done to the hacienda workers to extend their lives until the next milling season. We want to count if who among our mayors have a sense of concern.
We very well know that each LGU has its livelihood program and the office handling should already have a tailored program for “Tiempo Muerto.” Better show your best now. Mayors made a good promise on the alleviation of the life of the hacienda workers last campaign season.
Villages along the shoreline are always categorized as existing below the poverty line. The parents living there are just dependent on the little catch that the sea can provide and most of them can hardly send their children even to public schools. Do mayors have programs to provide them fishing boats? Is there a mangrove rehabilitation agenda in the area that would create a fish sanctuary? Are there positive moves to prevent the intrusion of illegal fishermen?
Our small time vendors have not recovered yet because of the quarantine prohibitions. They are stretching muscles but most of the time they are just waiting for miracles to happen. They have no more capital to go on with their business. Government should come in to help.
Local tourism suffers from chest pain. Even our people are afraid to circulate for fear of community transmission... the visitors, the guides, the operators, the resort staff, and the museum curators. There is a question at the back of the mind, “are they asymptomatic?” That fear of the unknown causes the industry to bleed.
Our land transportation system needs a thorough review. Tricycles and “trisikads” in the community need a new ordinance to prevent fare confusion. Big buses should be provided loading and unloading areas. That needs a careful study to be based on the comfort of the passengers.
Poor brothers, who are dependent on the 4Ps program, should be provided with opportunities to have employment. The social workers assigned to them should also function as educators. Many of the recipients do not spend the money as intended. Some of their children do not even go to school regularly.
These are just some of the few concerns that should be given priority in the exit plan. Many are hungry and frustrated. Some hungry individuals could easily be tempted to commit a crime. The government should come up with a win-win solution. We do not want that people will believe that we have stale public officials.
It is bad for a country when goats become lions. So, tell us that your exit plan is worth implementing and it carries the sentiments of the people. Show don’t tell.