Pax, the 13-year-old son of Marivic, had been wishing to have breakfast with his family in some restaurant  to celebrate his birthday.

He and his mother were thus thrilled when the Inter-agency task force (IATF) on COVID-19 relaxed  the age requirement down to 10 from 14 years old for people allowed in malls  starting Monday, February 1, in all Modified, General Community Quarantine Places (MECQ).

   This positive news spread like wildfire due to its potential economic rewards that the re-opening may bring. On the other side of the spectrum, however, there’s a high health risk.    

    The mother and son were thrilled as they and other family members may have a bit of a weekend reunion, while  observing the rest of the health protocols such maintaining social distancing.

    It would have been a fulfillment of a birthday wish but it was nipped in the bud.

Malacanang reversed the order before it the scheduled date of implementation because of the opposing reaction from other sectors, citing conceivable health hazards especially because of the new  COVID-19 UK variant.

     The easing would have been good for the social, mental and physical health and wellness of the children, especially those living in confined areas like condominium units with very restrictive movements.

    It would  have helped in the resurgence of the domestic economy,  which suffered a 9.5 percent contraction for the whole of 2020,  while shrinking 8.3 percent in the fourth quarter, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority which released the actual data yesterday,

The age reduction would have been an upright stimulant. This was  the stance of BDO chief market analyst Jonas Ravelas when we discussed the issue on healing and recovery.

In his view, the year just past  is best remembered as a “recession year,” though,  overall,  it has “better-than-expected economic data since the bottom in March has given way to a more improved outlook.”

    However, this scenario excluded the virtual cards tumbling down with Shangri-La Manila hotel in Makati City temporarily closing down effective February 1. Word going around  Makati is that  Shangri-La-BGC may  follow suit.

   There is the expectation that 2021 is a recovery year with the Philippine economy  poised for a “strong rebound.” A 6.60 percent expansion might be possible.

   The equation of rebuilding the Philippines, revitalizing businesses,  and retooling people would depend on improving our production capacities in agriculture, infrastructure, IT-BPO, and manufacturing.

While the financial markets continue to recover from the initial panic in March last year, the prospects of full recovery remain uncertain and dependent on risks of any resurgent of COVID-19 outbreak.

Reports, however, indicated otherwise. This mid-week, a sordid milestone was reached with COVID-19 hitting a 100 million and the UK variant incidence inching up.

Tough luck for all of us, as the economic growth potential to energize the GDP economy is anchored on “mobility restrictions further eased and supported by fiscal spending and legislative reforms.”

Should we let go and face the consequences of  easing restrictions? Or should we  protect our children, the hope of our motherland from the pandemic?

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