Things to be grateful for, despite it all

I can’t recall a year more challenging than this one. I was in my early teens during the turbulent years leading to the EDSA revolution and I can say that this year was worse. Many say that 2020 is our generation’s equivalent of World War 2 in the way it disrupted our lives and permanently changed our behavior. I agree.

As a nation, we’ve been battered on all fronts – from a life threatening pandemic to an avalanche of national disasters, from a debilitating recession to bankruptcies and joblessness. So much has already been written about the missteps of government and how the crisis could have been better managed. What’s done is done and we must simply make the most of our situation and move forward.

Since the weeklong Christmas and New Year’s celebration is upon us, I’ve decided to dedicate this column to giving thanks for the good things that happened this year. After all, gratefulness is the mother of blessings and I am hoping that with a grateful spirit, the country’s fate will improve in 2021.

First among the things I am grateful for is the availability of the vaccine. The fact that it became commercially available this month, and not in June 2021 as predicted, is a blessing in itself. Although it has not yet reached our shores, it is only a matter of time before it becomes commercially available. When it does, we can expect our lives to go back to relative normality with less paranoia and social restrictions. It will be a boon towards restoring consumer confidence and repairing our battered economy.

Despite the Philippines having the third highest COVID infections in Asia relative to population, our case load of some 461,000 is still but a fraction of that of the US with 18.3 million cases, India with 10 million cases and Brazil with 7.2 million cases. Infections could have been worse given the density of our cities and the need of those who live from hand to mouth to go out and work. Many have accused the Filipino of being stubborn, or “pasaway” in the vernacular, but the numbers show that our people have been generally compliant to the IATF’s restrictions.

The sense of bayanihan is alive and well in the Philippines and this was clearly manifested during the pandemic, during Taal’s eruption and the aftermath of typhoons Ulysses and Rolly. At the height of the contagion, communities, corporations and civic organizations banded together to provide food, shelter and transportation for our frontliners without even being asked. When the spate of natural disasters struck, civil society stepped up to provide relief and financial aid to those displaced. The Filipino’s sense of bayanihan is his most valuable weapon – it is what makes the nation resilient and formidable.

Although the IATF may not have been as effective as its ASEAN equivalents and although our economic managers failed to display the sense of urgency needed to cushion the economy (having spent too little, too late), there have been some government agencies that have performed exceedingly well during the crisis. Among them is the Department of Transportation which used the lockdown as opportunity to implement the hugely successful BRT-like system on EDSA. The Department of Tourism for fighting hard to provide financial lifelines to struggling tourism establishments. The Board of Investments (under the DTI) for securing 112 percent more investment commitments in the first semester compared to last year, despite the lockdown.

The pandemic brought out the best and worst in our politicians. Whatever traits they have, good or bad, were amplified under the pressure of crisis. Some leaders were downright incoherent and confused. Others revealed their sense of entitlement by blatantly defying quarantine restrictions. Some bared their insatiable greed by attempting to channel financial aid meant for the displaced to their pork barrel or directly to their pockets. Many grandstanded and continued with their “epal” ways. Yet, a few stood out as beacons of leadership, hard work and competence. Vico Sotto impressed us all for his servant attitude, diligence and ability to organize. Kit Nieto of Cainta stood out for his transparency and decisive action. Senator Nancy Binay surprised us by her clarity of intent and practical sensibilities. Isko Domagoso earned praise for utilizing science- and software-based anti-COVID response. Rep. Joey Salceda was quick on the draw in recommending sound economic policies. VP Robredo displayed tenacity by tirelessly serving the destitute despite meager resources and the relentless attacks on her person. This breed of politicians gives us hope for better days to come.

Despite work disruptions, infrastructure development continued. The Angat Water transmission project was completed, as was the Laguna Lake Highway, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and the Luzon Boadband Project. Meanwhile, construction is at full blast for the much awaited Harbor Link Road, the SLEX-NLEX Connector Road (Skyway stage 3) and the Ortigas-BGC bridge, all of which will be operational in two to three months. We also look forward to the new Clark International Airport Terminal 2 which, according to its operator, Robinson’s-Filinvest-Changi consortium, should be operational by July.

The staging of the SEA Games and our medal count victory put the spotlight on sports development once again. Not only have budget appropriations increased for our athletes, the Philippines also announced its intention to bid for the 2030 Asian Games. If successful, an event of this magnitude will auger well for the country’s soft power.

After decades of being a sitting duck, the Armed Forces is finally re-arming. Thanks to the initiative of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Philippine Navy has taken delivery (or is in the process of acquiring) two missile capable frigates from South Korea; a Spike-ER surface-to-surface missile system; two Agusta Westland AW-159 Wildcat anti-submarine helicopters; eight Hanwha Techwin amphibious assault vehicles; two corvette warships; 16 Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters and two French-made diesel-electric Scorpéne submarines, among others. The Air Force is expecting delivery of 16 Black Hawk helicopters; a Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft; two Bell AF-1 Cobra Attack helicopters; six additional NC212i aircraft; six brand-new Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos, among others. For the Army, delivery is expected for more 155mm Howitzers; short- and medium-range missiles; multiple launch rocket systems and armored recovery systems.

With this message of thanks, I wish one and all a Merry Christmas!

Email: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan