Senior citizens locked in their homes

I understand that as we navigate GCQ (general community quarantine), or whichever version of quarantine we are currently in, there is going to be a level of trial and error. After all, it can’t be stressed enough that this has never been done before, so no roadmap tells us how to properly do it. There are bound to be things that result in a push back from the public and will require adjustments. At the end of the day, we should all still do what will keep us safe and helps prevent more infections.

Honestly, when I think about it, I don’t know that we are ready for a general quarantine at all. But I suppose this could not be helped. Despite the rising debt we have accumulated, our government is just unable to maintain the lockdown and properly provide for all the Filipinos in desperate need. This is what pushed them to open the economy. At the end of the day, hunger would end up killing more underprivileged Filipinos than the virus.

So we push forward and do the best we can with what we have. There are protocols to follow during the GCQ. Social distancing is still expected, masks, face shields, regular sanitizing should all be strictly implemented. Those who don’t have to go out are still encouraged to work from home or stay home for as long as possible. After all, statistically, the fewer people out, the better the chances of curbing infection spread.

However, despite the government saying that GCQ would still uphold a lot of the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) safeguards, that doesn’t look like it’s going to be the case. In the first week alone, Filipinos flocked outdoors in droves, and malls and highways began filling up as if it was back to business as usual. I’m sure there is a learning curve to following GCQ protocols, but from what we saw in the first 10 days, it doesn’t look promising. I worry for the healthcare sector should cases continue to shoot up.

Another concerning mandate of GCQ is that senior citizens are being forced to stay at home too. This is concerning as both my wife and I are seniors, and we take care of our own household. It’s worrisome that we aren’t allowed the same provisions others are allowed in the name of our health. A colleague wrote something similar in his column for The STAR and I echo his sentiments. In what part or in what specific section of the RA11332 or the Bayanihan Act prohibits seniors from leaving their homes under the GCQ? Or was this just a new resolution that was created once GCQ guidelines were being discussed? What is the rationale behind such an encompassing rule?

However, like in many other protocols put into place during these challenging times, there are exceptions. There are still several seniors up and about and working. Several members of the government have been allowed to work and go outside despite their senior citizen status. There are several seniors in Congress and on the Cabinet that have been doing their work as usual despite their age. Shouldn’t the rules apply to everyone if they are going to apply at all?

I understand that advancing age can be an issue as far as coronavirus infections are concerned, but at the end of the day, there are still so many productive senior citizens that are being forced into staying indoors, while everyone else gets to try to go back to their jobs and their commitments. I think that senior citizens should be afforded the same courtesy (as long as they follow the same strict safety measures of course).

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I was glad to read that the San Miguel Holdings Corporation multi-billion airport project is still pushing through despite the uncertainty of travel due to the pandemic. Despite lengthy delays in the groundbreaking, Sec. Arthur P. Tugade said that the project would still be push through. The progress may be slower due to the current situation, but it will continue nonetheless.

This is an important investment to make for the future of travel in the Philippines. The P735-billion Bulacan international airport will involve the construction of 2,400-hectares into an international air hub with four parallel runways (expandable up to six), eight taxiways, and three passenger terminal buildings.

To help decongest traffic, the project also includes an 8.4-kilometer toll road that will link the gateway to the North Luzon Expressway, giving passengers an easier way to get to their final destinations.

This airport is exactly the kind of innovative travel hub that the country will need in a post)coronavirus diseases 2019 or COVID-19 world where we will encourage tourism again. Despite progress being slow and steady, I still look forward to when this world-class terminal will open to the public. It’s going to change the way air travel is done in the country.

I think it’s very admirable that despite the challenges the pandemic has presented, SMHC president Ramon S. Ang remains committed to projects that will improve and expand on infrastructure. The company is also looking at building a 10-lane five-by-five elevated expressway above EDSA as well to help decongest traffic which has already begun to build up again.

Looking forward to seeing these projects come to fruition. We need more innovative minds willing to invest in our future.