Communications Secretary Martin Andanar expressed confidence that the Philippines will be able to reopen its economy by 2022 after suffering a blow due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Andanar made the statement as the country continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, especially following the recent lockdown imposed on Metro Manila due to the alarming rise of cases affected by the more contagious Delta variant.
In a statement, Andanar noted that the government is now focused on responding to the impact of the pandemic, including crafting and implementing policies that will allow economic recovery.
He expressed confidence that the economy will be able to open up by next year.
"Ang ating pakikipaglaban sa COVID-19 ay napaka-crucial. Hindi lang ito laban para sa ating kalusugan (Our fight against COVID-19 is crucial. This is not just a fight for our health)," Andanar said.
"Laban din po ito para masiguro natin na nakalatag po yung mga plano ng ating pamahalaan para makabalik ang mga negosyante, ang ating mga kababayan ay makabalik din sa kanilang trabaho, at ang tuluyang pagbukas ng ekonomiya (This is also a crusade for the government to lay down plans to help our business sector to recover, for our workers to be able to return to their jobs, and for the reopening of our economy)," he added.
Malacañang has been reiterating that the government is promoting total health which includes protecting the public from COVID-19 and keeping the economy afloat.
The government has been urging the public to get vaccinated when their turn comes so they will be protected against the virus while they make a living.
Last week, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the private sector was hopeful that Metro Manila would soon achieve "micro-herd immunity" that would in turn boost economic activity in the region.
Under their proposed travel bubble, the mobility of the unvaccinated would be limited from home to the workplace. On the other hand, the vaccinated population will be allowed to go to malls, restaurants, salons, and spas, and other areas that would be allowed to operate.