Cooperation amidst global crisis

The outbreak of the first case of 2019 novel coronavirus in the Philippines adheres a strong cooperation between Philippines and China in combating the spread of the virus. Last January 31, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the first case of nCoV which is the 38-year-old female Chinese national who travelled to the Philippines from Wuhan via Hong Kong tested positive for the virus. After two days, the DOH announced the second case of NcoV which is the 44-year-old man who died. They believed that he was the companion of the woman. Both of them are people from Wuhan, China. The outbreak of the positive cases of nCov and the increasing number of persons under watch on suspicion that might have been infected with the nCov climbs to 215. Of that number, 184 are currently admitted and isolated in hospitals, nine refused admissions, and 17 were discharged but remain under strict monitoring according to DOH. Both countries are communicating in order to assist the security of the Filipino citizens.

The Chinese government helped the Philippines by providing masks since the supply is insufficient. According to the Philippine News Agency, the Chinese government donated a total number of 200,000 surgical masks. Additionally, the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. pledged to donate 600,000 face masks. They also offered to share medical information and findings about the nCoV. On the other hand, the Philippine organization such as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration extend to provide P10,000 cash, transport assistance, and accommodations to the affected Overseas Filipino Workers in China. Moreover, the Philippine Consular Agency in Shanghai is doing their job to contact all the Filipinos in China to ensure their health and safety. Lastly, the Department of Foreign Affairs tells the OFWs to follow the advice of the local health authorities in their areas.

The efforts exerted by the Philippines and China shows unity and collaboration despite of the pandemic issue. In 2016, they had a joint statement which aimed to enhance understanding, broaden cooperation and increase interaction and communication to benefit their people. As a Filipino, we are glad that both governments are striving hard to fulfill their duties while maintaining their close bilateral relationship in times of crisis. The Philippine government also achieved the second pillar of the Philippine Foreign Policy which is the protection and promotion of the welfare of OFWs. We cannot do this without communicating with China. Nations must help each other knowing that this is a global emergency; there is no space for blaming and hating China since all of us are suffering from this situation. Thus, cooperation and effective communication is essential in every nation to solve a global problem. It is a great key to escape this epidemic in order to preserve the life of the individuals. Nations should be aware of their limitations and work as one so that their ties with other nations and the safety of their citizens will be balanced without compromising one aspect.

Twinkle Dimple Abucay and Maricel Cuico

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

University of San Jose-Recoletos