The new-old normal

The phrase has become so over used that it will soon get old. But when you spend time trying to figure out what “The New Normal” might be like, chances are it will be very much the same as the way things were several decades ago, whether it was during and after World War 2 in the ’40s or during Martial law in the ’70s and early ’80s. There was fear, there was lack, curfews were normal, uncertainty was a fact of life and safe to say, many Filipinos were more prayerful during those times. “Back in the day” we washed our hands, we prayed before meals, many prayed as a family at 6 p.m. when we were all suppose to be home, and yes, we stayed home or risked arrest, detention or becoming victims. As a result of all that, our crime statistics were down and curfew was something we lived with, got used to and actually benefitted from. Yes, we also had no ABS-CBN as a consequence of Martial Law.

Nowadays, when officials and experts talk about “The New Normal” they talk about wearing masks. In the old days, their version was proper hygiene and upbringing; you cover your mouth or face when sneezing with a handkerchief and then you wash your hands. When women went to church they would cover their head and face with the “Velo” or laced veil as a sign of modesty, not realizing the health benefits of such a fashion necessity then. We now talk about social distancing as a sugar coated term for actual avoidance of disease through physical distancing. Back then women kept their social distance from the men in order not to be labeled as “cheap” or of loose morals. For the longest time, we reviled the “curfew” as a violation of our human rights and right to travel post WW2 and during Martial law.  But years later after becoming parents or getting married, many of us appreciate the curfew in place during ECQ because it keeps the children home and out of harm’s way while detaining philandering husbands from going to mistresses or night clubs or casino crazy wives out and about town. Add to this, our early to bed lifestyle has improved our health, disposition and allows us to get more things done than ever before.

I recently interviewed Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi of Cotabato City to get updates on the effect of COVID-19 on her city and it was only by coincidence that I learned from her that they have had a curfew in Cotabato City for the last four years as a result of various incidents as well as the Mindanao wide declaration of Martial Law by President Duterte. According to the Mayor, the residents of Cotabato City initially resisted the city-wide ordinance but that opposition died down after three weeks when people began to see the benefits brought about by the curfew, most important of which was the drastic reduction in crimes. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has repeatedly announced that as a result of the ECQ, the over-all crime statistics in Metro Manila has gone down by as much as 60 percent.

When it comes to faith, worship and spirituality, many non-traditional religions and churches have vastly benefitted from using technology and timing. Many evangelical churches I know of have made use of the internet, the skills and talents of young church members and have launched daily praise and worship events starting at 7 in the morning, at mid-day or by 5 or 6 p.m., we’re almost like Muslims who pray five times a day! Instead of the usual hour and a half or two-hour events, these organizations have opted to trim things down to 30 minutes, two or three times a day and splitting the singing and preaching among different individuals to avoid monotony or developing personality based audience or boredom as the case may be. As I compare traditional and non-traditional churches and religions, I would say that the evangelicals have the right “playbook” because they choose topics addressing concerns and emotions that evolve from being under quarantine. What’s interesting is that ECQ has made people more prayerful to the point that they all look forward to the online events that happen not just daily but twice a day.

Objectively speaking, being quarantined has shown us how some forms of restrictions and disciplinary guidelines have turned out to be actual blessings in terms of good health, public safety and strengthening family relations. Because it came during quarantine, we of course will say it comes with a steep price in terms of personal freedoms and livelihood to say the least.  But as the national government move toward “The New Normal” it may be well worth keeping the beneficial features of ECQ. There will be no escaping the use of face masks and foolish is the man who thinks he does not need it. We should never abandon or minimize the practice of handwashing and saying grace during meals, while Gen Z, the Centennials, and the “Coronians” will surely bring distancing to the realm of the Internet. As we promote “Work From Home” and prioritize good health, we hope that the DOTr, DPWH and IATF and the DOH will finally recognize that the less privileged laborers and workers need mobility and one of the best alternatives is promoting cycling in public schools and offices and creating and constructing cycling friendly pathways as a goal and not just as a side dish in their development strategies.

Last but not the least, and I know it will shock you to hear this from me, but let’s adjust and extend curfews in Metro Manila like from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. but give exemption to legitimate night shift workers and suppliers. All we have to do is adjust our clocks and lifestyle, still get to do the same things but be home, safe and sound just like Cinderella!

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