What would life be like—or better yet what should life be like—when government finally lifts restrictions imposed during the so-called Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to combat the COVID-19 pandemic?
We asked a number of friends and acquaintances this question even as authorities continued to debate on when and how to transition to what many believe to be a new normal.
And because we are who we are, the question drew some wacky and some serious responses. After all, Pinoys are known for falling back on humor amidst adversity. We culled some of their responses for this column and we leave it to the reader to decide whether the prognostications or suggestions are more wacky — and bordering on wishful thinking — than serious.
Some see fewer cars on the road during the transition to normalcy and even well into the new normal. One factor into this thinking is that working from home will no longer be the exception but part of the rule. Even before the pandemic, communication and most of the work in most companies take place online or on digital platforms.
Another is possible shorter work weeks and/or staggered work shifts to avoid crowded workplaces.
Fewer people will be driving to the supermarket or malls after discovering the joys of ordering for supplies online. Personal shoppers will be a sunshine occupation. People we know now have personal shopper suki’s buying stuff for them at Farmers Market in Cubao which is then delivered to their front door or condo lobby by Grab or Lalamove riders and the like.
Online and homeschooling — because parents fear the petri dish for germs and viruses that is the school — would mean less need for schoolbuses.
After discovering that mountain ranges can be viewed from within Metro Manila after the pandemic, many will also be wishing to leave home and look for alternative forms of personal mobility to fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
The alternative for personal mobility? Would you believe bicycles and electric scooters. Nurses and even doctors were borrowing or were lent pedal-driven bikes to get to and from front-line duties during the ECQ. Bicycle and scooter enthusiasts are taking advantage of the ECQ to extoll the advantages of two-wheeled transport.
The more enthusiastic and optmistic two-wheeler advocates propose a network of streets in the metro exclusively for them, enhanced community bike lanes if you will. Some see elevated bike lanes as part of this network which they argue should be cheaper, quicker and less troublesome to build than elevated tollways for four-wheeled and more vehicles.
A wackier response is that Pinoys have rediscovered that neglected form of personal mobility: walking. Many took to walking to buy necessities during the ECQ.
As for mass transport, some are optimistic that the Department of Transportation’s initiative and experience to efficiently organize free bus ride routes for front-liners during the ECQ would give it the confidence to finally enforce plans to make it mandatory for bus operators to strictly follow schedules and loading and unloading zones.
This, as well as the push to continue contruction of light rail projects even during the ECQ, would help the metro mass transport system catch up with the demand.
All this look like wishful thinking, according to others who don’t believe there are enough right-minded private motorist, commuter, government planner, bus and jeepney transport operator that would tip the balance from chaotic and unsafe to orderly and disciplined traffic. Even after the shock of a transformational pandemic.
These pessimists expect to sing “deja vu what else is new” even in the new normal of post-pandemic society.
Thank You, Mitsubishi
The local government unit of Sta. Rosa, Laguna thanked Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC) for lending the city two L300 units to be used for transporting frontliners to and from their respective destinations within the boundaries of Santa Rosa City during the enhanced community quarantine period.
Said Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas: “The City of Santa Rosa would like to thank Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation for lending us two Mitsubishi L300 units to be used during this time of need, when all the resources not only of the LGUs, of the national government but of the private groups as well are really very important. . . . The said units are now being used to shuttle people and goods that we distribute to our constituents who are home quarantined . . . We truly appreciate all the help and support of MMPC to the City of Santa Rosa not only now but ever since the Corporation has chosen the City to be their home.”
Suzuki Participates
Suzuki Philippines joined the DOTr’s Free Bus Ride for Medical Workers Program by lending nine All-New Carry UV units to ferry front-line workers and one Super Carry CV for logistics and delivery use.
“During these challenging times, we in Suzuki Philippines Inc. understand the impact that we can make as part of the automobile industry. We are more than willing to provide assistance to our frontline health workers for their unwavering commitment to continue serving the Filipino people especially at the current time. We are grateful for their solid dedication and we thank the DOTr as well for opening up a window for us to be of help,” said Suzuki Philippines president Akira Utsumi.
DOTr ECQ Record
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has been working hard, mostly without much fanfare, to help out frontliners and others during the ECQ.
As of April 12, the DOTr has transported a total of 154,561 health workers nationwide via the DOTr Free Ride for Health Workers Program.
In partnership with Phoenix Petroleum, Total Philippines, CleanFuel, Petron Corporation and SeaOil Philippines, the DOTr provided fuel subsidies for transportation companies participating the free ride program.
As of April 8, the DOTr also assisted in distributed cash assistance to 4,101 public utility vehicle drivers under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Social Amelioration Program for PUV drivers.
It issued a total of 551 Special Permits for 1,182 units to PUV operators as of April 12 to provide transport service to private establishments exempted in the ECQ, as well as for PUVs transporting front liners.
Toyota Cares
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has been active during the ECQ to help communities move forward through mobility support and special to its customers.
In a press statement, TMP said Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TMPF) extended the payment terms for their customers while expiring insurance policies under Toyota Insure and warranty coverages for Toyota vehicles have also been extended.
TMP also continues to coordinate with various local government units and hospitals in lending company vehicles to doctors and nurses serving in different healthcare institutions.
TMPF also handed out donations for health care workers and families who need support.
It said that some PPEs, including isolation gowns, surgical gowns, and surgical gloves, were donated to Santa Rosa Community hospital, while sacks of rice and grocery packages were distributed to hard-to-reach areas and certain communities including the Toyota Santa Rosa Gawad Kalinga Village which is home to more than 150 families.
Happy Motoring!!!
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