THE last quarter of every year for almost every Filipino means a period of celebration and abundance. Unfortunately, it may not be the case this year. Still, I am hoping we can remedy the situation by being more resilient and creative and find ways to go contactless!
The race to end the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but the 2020 is almost over. While other countries are now currently monitoring and evaluating the situation since they opened up their communities from lockdown restrictions, the Philippines is still grappling with continuous general quarantines. Regardless of level of these quarantines, the word "quarantine" still means controlled or regulated human movement subject to government regulations. While residents of other countries already walk their streets with guidelines and systems that protect them from being infected or spreading the virus, Filipinos watch in our homes and can only hope and pray for an end to all these things.
Since all pronouncements seem to conclude that a vaccine is not going to be available this year, and since our government obviously relies on the vaccine as the only solution to stopping the transmission, even when many countries have already proven otherwise - then therefore we need to prepare for our last quarter to become more meaningful knowing we are not going to get out of this pandemic anytime soon.
My first tip -- embrace digital. Go contactless. Ask yourself -- do I really need to go to an activity, or can I use available means of communications? Do I really need to sign or submit documents personally or can I sign or submit these requirements digitally? There are many things we can do even in the digital space. The most important thing is connection. Yes, this may mean faster and cheaper internet connection, which we all need to demand for. But it also means human connection even in the virtual space. Some of the good platforms I have tried so far are Zoom, Facebook Rooms, Google Meetings, Viber Groups and recently Line -- they manage to really connect people.
This week, I am helping launch some new solutions as part of my mission to develop digital solutions to address the challenges resulting from the pandemic and to help local startups.
QRID Contactless promotes the vision of a safe, healthy, and vibrant economy amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 and other transmissible diseases causing community outbreaks. Initially, the project launches two systems for customer or user validation.
First is the Bacolod Barter Community QRID -- a collaboration between the Bacolod Barter Community, Talking Myna and Verde Hero, headed by Ross Melvi Monserate, and independent developer Joaquin Resurreccion, both of Bacolod City. BBC QRID experiments on Facebook Chat Bot Messenger as the portal to generate personal QR code in an easy way. QRID Verde Hero is a data base system that scans and reads said QR Codes on the side of establishment users. Both systems are configured to match each other. This solution is ideal for large public settings where the flow of people can be monitored and counted. To participate in this prototyping, individual users may secure their QR Code from: https://www.facebook.com/messages/t/BacolodBarterCommunityPage To participate as an establishment, please fill up https://qrid.verdehero.com/register
Second is X-Tracer -- a QR Generator and Scanner system, that allows both individual and establishment users to manage their own data, while complying with paperless real-time registration in compliance with contact tracing requirements when visiting establishments and officers. This application is ideal for small to medium organizations requiring entry registration for specific employees and regular clients. Establishments shall have the privilege to identify its users. X- Tracer is created by independent developer Wilmar John Oquindo Magbanua from Murcia, Negros Occidental. To participate as an establishment, please fill up https://forms.gle/QBgxJTb3eKHrT1wa9
On a personal note, my second tip -- do something that is in your bucket list, something you can do because you are busy (and do not include travelling). I have cooked dishes that I have always wanted to cook. The experiment will give you the opportunity to sell, barter or simply donate what you have cooked. Gardening has also become a satisfying way to spend time as the trend has become now. Collect and visualize good memories from old books, to old songs and pictures and share with old friends, virtually or maybe in places where you can maintain distancing and observe health protocols. Whatever it is that you do for the first time, learning a new skill, a new language, writing a book, painting for the first time, designing clothes, and many more. Make your time worthwhile -- best of all, think of ways to earn income along the way.