#ASKGOYO

Before I start, I want to say that contrary to the false information some people try to spew, based on data, the Philippines has one of the highest compliances when it comes to wearing masks.  But yes, there are still some who don’t wear a mask.  There are also a number who don’t know how to wear a mask properly.  From wearing a mask upside down, to those who stick their nose out of the mask.  For those in motion like riding a bicycle or running/exercising, I assume they lower their mask so they can breathe easier – maybe they should use a more breathable mask (or balaclava and just use a regular mask when they get to their destination where they interact with others).  But what’s concerning to me are those who wear a mask while just casually walking around or during meetings with their nose not covered.  I hope they realize it’s supposed to be a mask, not a chin guard.  Officials should really focus on informing the public on how to wear a mask properly.

* * *

Throughout life, in many instances taking a step back is what is needed to move forward.  In several situations, consistently moving slow gets you faster to your destination, than moving fast, but without direction.  Even if we crawl to where we’re going to, we’ll still get there faster as compared to a person running around in circles. 

As I discussed last Monday, it would do everyone good if officials discuss amongst themselves BEFORE making official pronouncements on the plans and programs.  At almost half a year since the first COVID-19 case in the Philippines, announcing motherhood programs should have been done last March yet.  At this time, plans should be focused on the implementation stage.  This should include details like how programsare going to be implemented; the timeline of the implementation; the resources needed and the status of the availability of resources, etc.  Basically, a good strategic implementation plan.

A good strategic implementation plan includes knowing three things:

1. What is the current situation in the Philippines?

Those in charge need to do an honest-to-goodness assessment of the condition the Philippines is in TODAY.  Bring in the healthcare experts who know the situation on the ground.  Ask them for their honest opinion on the healthcare crisis, but NEVER take offense on what they will say to you.  Remember, denying there is a problem is a surefire way of ensuring you won’t fix the problem.  Ask economists what can and should be done, giving priority to the health and lives of the citizens, while trying to revive the economy. Take off those rose-colored glasses before you start trying to fix the problems of the country, and before making statements on the situation of the country. 

We need to be guided by science and be data-driven. 

2. Where do we want to go? 

We need to go DOWN, and we need to go UP.

DOWN refers to the curve.  We need to flatten it.  FAST.  We need to make sure it remains flat. Look at other countries in ASEAN like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, countries which are worse off economically than the Philippines, but have done MUCH better, specially with reference to a lower death toll and a considerably higher recovery rate.  We also need to make sure it remains flat.  Some countries who had success are now struggling because they eased their restrictions too early.  We could learn several lessons from their experience.

UP refers to the economy.  It needs to go back up.  But it needs to be sustainable.  How do we achieve this?  That’s the role of the economists who talk with healthcare experts.  There has to be a balance to ensure the health and welfare of the citizens are paramount.

3. How do we get there?

We know where we want to go.  I think everyone from whatever political affiliation, knows where we need to go.  I’m not talking about political agenda or misplaced political priorities.  We’re talking about TWO THINGS:

a.         Welfare of the people.

b.         Health of the economy.

In No. 1 we should know where we are now.  In no. 2, we know where we need to go. Now…How do we draw a line that connects 1 and 2?  How do we, with our current resources, get to our destination?

By this time, all planners already have the necessary Gantt Charts.  However, what separates the good planners is the ability to adjust and correct mistakes.  An honest-to-goodness assessment will allow us to determine if there are many changes that need to be done.  These include:

1. Changes in the structure (streamline it, instead of adding layers).
2. Manning of personnel – Do you need to replace some people who are not performing?
3. Do you need to re-allocate resources to ensure those areas which are POTENTIAL hotspots can be nipped in the bud?
4. Be pro-active, instead of reactive.

Always remember:  MAKE SURE TO BALANCE YOUR STRATEGIC IMPLENTATION PLAN TO CORRESPOND WITH REALITY.  Make sure what you say, can be done.  I’ve seen too many officials in the past say something repeatedly thinking that saying it often enough will make it happen.  We’re not in Oz.  You can’t click your heels to get to our destination or solve a problem.

Stay Healthy. Practice Physical Distancing.  Wear Your Mask Properly.