Coronavirus Lockdown: Next Pandemic, Toll Free Program, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

The pandemic is over. Or is it? It's coming back!

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/4/23/next-pandemic-is-inevitable-what-it-means-for-the-philippines-1400

The world may have moved on from COVID-19, but scientists say the next global health crisis is no longer a distant possibility—it is inevitable.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News following the One Health Summit in Lyon, France, virologist Bruno Lina said humanity is bound to see another pathogen spread across the globe.

"There will be another pandemic. It's not a question of will there be, it's a question of when. We don't know when, but there will be another pandemic," said Lina, president of Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1.

COVID-19 may be the most disruptive pandemic in recent memory, but it is far from being the only one.

The 1918 Spanish Flu infected a third of the global population. Influenza outbreaks in 1957 and 1968 followed. In 2009, the "milder" H1N1 swine flu spread worldwide. 

The lesson, Lina said, is simple: pandemics differ in scale, but their occurrence is constant.

Fortunately, experts have and are continuously improving vaccines that can protect individuals from developing serious infections. 

In the case of COVID, Lina said mRNA vaccines have long been researched even before the coronavirus spread across the world, stressing how long-term investment in science made swift vaccine development possible.

More importantly, pathogen data sharing is also seen as something that could greatly improve the world's response for what the World Health Organization is calling "disease X."

In 2025, member states of the World Health Organization adopted the Pandemic Agreement at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The international treaty aims to strengthen global prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemics.

Among its key aspects is allowing countries fair access to vital information and data on pathogens as well as vaccines and treatments. Such access to information provides governments the opportunity to act and prevent the spread of illnesses with pandemic potential.

For this to be fully realized, countries are encouraged to embark on a "One Health" approach, which acknowledges that no country can ever fully take care of human health, without taking into consideration the health of animals and the environment.

The Pandemic Agreement’s adoption occurred at a time when the Philippines held the presidency of the WHA. But Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Albert Domingo admitted that some annexes of the agreement were yet to be finalized. 

The Philippines is part of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the WHO Pandemic Agreement that continues to engage in talks with other countries especially in terms of information sharing and access.

"Masalimuot yung usapin dahil maraming mga bansa ang nagsasabi, dapat ang ating pathogen na information, kung saan man yung disease X, dapat agarang din ibigay sa lahat ng mga bansa para makapaggawa ng bakuna," Domingo said.

(It’s a complicated discussion because a lot of countries are saying that pathogen information, wherever disease X may be found, should immediately be given to countries so that they can make vaccines.)

Others argue that if they provide such data, they should be guaranteed free access to resulting vaccines and treatments.

The Philippines, Domingo said, is pushing for equitable access. "Tayo ay pumapanig doon sa open access. Sas mabilis na mapipigilan ang pagkalat ng isang disease X," he said.

(We favor open access. When information is accessed sooner, countries can act faster to prevent the spread of disease X.)

The World Health Assembly is once again scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland in May.

Underlying the agreement is a broader shift in thinking, the "One Health" approach.

It recognizes that human health is deeply connected to animals and the environment — an idea gaining urgency as climate change, deforestation, and urban expansion increase the risk of new diseases.

For Lina, the virologist, preparedness is not just about technology.

"It's a matter of reorganizing things. It's a matter of understanding processes. And so what should the low and middle income countries do to address the questions of one health is maybe not driven by technology but by behavior," he said.

That includes how societies interact with nature whether through land use, agriculture, or wildlife exposure. Protecting ecosystems, he added, could be one of the most effective ways to prevent future outbreaks.

The DOH said the country is better equipped than it was before COVID.

Now, facilities continue to be improved, including testing capacity through the wide use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests that allow the swift identification of pathogens.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), a collegiate body tasked to steer the country through the threats of pathogens, is also something that can be activated should the need arise.

"Ito yung incident command. Sa madaling salita, may nagtitimon, may nagsasabi na pag health ang pinag-uusapan, siya ang masusunod at ito ang ginagawa. Standard operating procedure yan sa lahat ng ating mga emergencies," Domingo said.

(This is the incident command. In other words, it leads and directs. It’s standard operating procedure for all health emergencies.)

The Philippines endured one of the longest lockdowns in the world, drawing criticism over its economic and social impact.

For experts, preparedness now is not just about infrastructure but clarity, coordination, and public trust.

Even as countries negotiate frameworks and refine systems, the next pandemic may already be taking shape somewhere.

Years after COVID-19 brought the global economy to a halt, the warning from scientists remains unchanged: another pandemic will come.

The next pandemic is inevitable in how many years? 

7-Eleven halted growth during the pandemic but is not growing at an exponential rate!

https://business.inquirer.net/586987/7-eleven-sales-in-philippines-steady-amid-rising-costs

The exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven stores in the country said its sales have held steady despite rising costs from the Middle East crisis, even as some goods begin to post price increases.

Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC) chair Victor Paterno told reporters on Thursday that the company has yet to see a drop in demand, with convenience stores benefiting from their proximity to consumers as higher fuel costs discourage longer trips.

While some items have become more expensive—such as hotdogs and siopao—due to higher input and energy costs, this has yet to dent sales across 7-Eleven’s offerings, according to Paterno.

“We haven’t seen a decrease in sales due to the crisis,” he said.

To manage risks, PSC has moved to hedge its exposure to rising electricity costs, which Paterno flagged as the main pressure point as liquefied natural gas prices climb.

The company is aggregating the power demand of its stores, allowing multiple sites within a common area to pool consumption.

This initiative now covers a significant portion of its more than 4,500 stores, Paterno said.

On the logistics side, PSC is also preparing for potential diesel supply constraints that could disrupt distribution across its network of around 600 delivery trucks.

Despite the cost pressures, PSC is keeping its expansion plans intact.

PSC aims to open more than 400 new stores by the end of 2026.

Paterno said the rollout is backed by a capital expenditure budget of about P4 billion to P5 billion this year.

In 2025, PSC spent P4.39 billion in capital expenditures, up 11.8 percent from P3.93 billion the year before.

Most of the planned stores have already broken ground, leaving little room to slow down without affecting next year’s pipeline, Paterno said.

“You just keep going. The only time I put the brakes on was the pandemic,” he added, noting that the current crisis differs from the Covid-19 pandemic, when there were mobility restrictions in place.

As such, Paterno said PSC is pushing ahead with its goal to open 5,000 stores by yearend.

As of end-2025, it operated 4,491 stores nationwide, with 53 percent company-owned and 47 percent franchised.

Thank goodness 7-Eleven has not reverted to pandemic times By slowing growth.

Food needs to get to the store so people can buy it. A program launched on April 20th which covers trucks accredited under a program launched during the pandemic is seeking to be extended. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/27/pwede-ba-humirit-villafuertes-seek-expanded-agri-trucks-toll-free-program

Camarines Sur-based lawmakers are prodding the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand the scope and duration of its month-long toll-free transport of farm produce.

Rep. Migz Villafuerte of the province's 5th district and Rep. Luigi Villafuerte of the 2nd district said such expansion would help stabilize for a longer period both the supply and retail cost of rice and other food items amid elevated global fuel prices

The Villafuertes earlier lauded the one-month exemption from tollway fee payments of truckers hauling food items, under a newly launched project facilitated by the DA and DOTr,

Launched last April 20, this “Agri-Trucks Toll Free Program” was facilitated by the DA, DOTr and the DOTr-attached Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) with toll concessionaires Metro Pacific Tollway Corp. (MPTC) and the SMC Tollway Corp. (SMCTC). It covers 1,162 trucks that were already accredited under the DA’s Food Lane program, which was initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the continuous transport of goods amid mobility restrictions.

The DA says that although there are actually 4,000 registered truckers, only 1,162 have valid accreditation at present.

The solon-siblings expressed hopes these agencies could work with toll operators on making this initiative last for longer and cover as many as 4,000 trucks that transport a combined 16,000 metric tons (MT) of farm goods to markets on a daily basis.

“We are appealing to the DA to take extra effort to onboard the rest of the 4,000 registered truckers as a way to expand the scope of this novel initiative by streamlining its registration process, expanding enrollment on-site and/or online, and faster approvals of interested or would-be applicants,” Rep. Luigi said.

“Also, we are calling upon the DA to consider with the DOTr, TRB, MPTC and SMCTC the possibility of extending this toll-free project for more than a month,” he added.

This initiative is part of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program of President Marcos for the agricultural sector, to ensure that food items remain accessible and affordable despite surging oil prices arising from the Middle East war and supply disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz.

According to reports, the 1,162 truckers thus far accredited under this project could save P52 million to P152 million in transport expenses. Every trucker can reportedly save P1,500 to P6,000 per trip.  

Earlier, Rep. Migz backed the proposal of the House Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) Council for a two-month suspension on the collection of the value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products.

“I agree with Rep. Miro that a two-month VAT suspension is feasible, in light of the projected P20 billion windfall profits that the government has thus far collected from the outrageously high diesel and gasoline prices at the pump after  the US-Israel joint attack on Iran began nearly two months ago,” Rep. Migz said. 

The LEAD Council is being presided over by Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Miro Quimbo. It is where House members have pitched both short-term and long-term solutions to fuel price crisis.

It seems the program never went away when it was first initiated. 

According to a new SWS half of Pinoys say life has worsened which is the lowest level since the pandemic. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/23/2523043/sws-half-pinoys-say-life-worsened-bleakest-pandemic-era-2021

Half of adult Filipino adults believe their quality of life has deteriorated over the past 12 months, according to a new Social Weather Stations survey, which saw people's perceived well-being sink to its worst since 2021. 

The First Quarter 2026 survey, conducted March 24-31 among 1,500 adults, found 50% said they were worse off, 26% said nothing changed, and 23% said they were better off. 

This produced an overall net score of –26, classified as "low," SWS said. 

That is a 19-point drop from -7 in November 2025, and 18 points below the full-year 2025 average of -8.

The survey results released Thursday, April 23, are the SWS' worst reading of this well-being indicator since September 2021, when the country was grappling with COVID-19 lockdowns, and the score sank to an "extremely low" -44.

The March survey was fielded as inflation, transport costs, and rice prices continued to squeeze household budgets in the first quarter of the year, with the United States-led war in the Middle East driving fuel prices up worldwide.

The November 2025 cycle — the comparison point — had itself already marked a slide from a brief rebound to +12 in June 2025.

Every region, every demographic fell

Mindanao suffered the steepest dive, falling 33 points from +2 to -31. Metro Manila dropped 19 points to -31. Balance Luzon fell 16 points to -23 and the Visayas slid 11 points to -25.

Urban residents took a harder hit than their rural counterparts, falling 22 points to -32 versus a 15-point drop to -18 in rural areas. Men and women declined by nearly identical margins, or 20 and 19 points, respectively.

Young adults lost the most ground

The sharpest single-group collapse came among 18-to-24-year-olds, whose score plummeted 35 points — from an "excellent" +31 in November to a merely "fair" -4 in March. Every older age bracket also worsened, with Filipinos 45 and above now deep in "very low" territory at -38 to -39.

Perceptions of a worsening quality of life also did not vary much by educational background. College graduates posted the mildest decline, slipping 13 points to a "mediocre" -19. 

Non-elementary graduates fell the hardest, dropping 35 points to a "very low" -39.

A gauge tracked since 1983

SWS has asked Filipinos this quality-of-life question 164 times since April 1983, according to its news release.

The score spent most of those decades in negative territory, turned positive only around 2015, then collapsed during the pandemic. 

It briefly recovered to near pre-pandemic levels in mid-2023 and again in the second half of 2024.

With the ongoing fuel crisis, the sinking peso, and inflation it seems attitudes will not be improving. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Lessons, Pandemic Mode, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

Last week we saw there was an art show about the pandemic and Gen-Z. Now someone has published a book about business lessons from the pandemic. 

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/opinion/columns/lessons-from-the-pandemic/2322940

I JUST attended the book launch of my childhood friend. The book is called “The Philippine Business and News: Lessons from the Pandemic,” written by my friend, the journalist Monsi Serrano.

Master painter Popoy Cusi made the book cover and the author’s portrait. His most recent work, “Palo Sebo,” was unveiled during the book launch.

Popoy told us during dinner that it took him six months to complete this wonderful work on the Filipino fiesta game. He also received the “Alab ng Likha: Parangal sa Pambansang Sining” during the book launch held at Hotel Okura Manila.

The award was given in recognition of Popoy Cusi’s outstanding achievements in the international arts, including his twice-earned distinction in “Who’s Who in International Art (Les Grands et Nouveaux Noms du Monde Artistique d’Aujourd’hui),” Switzerland. It was also given for his exceptional artistic contributions to the Embassy Night, through the creation of the official commemorative memorabilia artworks for the past three years. His works have elevated the event through creativity, cultural expression and Filipino artistic excellence. The award was handed out by the Swiss ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Nicolas Brühl.

Serrano’s book is excellent reportage and commentary on what happened during the Covid-19 epidemic in the Philippines. It explores business, news, diplomacy and governance, offering a candid account of the Philippines’ real situation during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The book reveals uncomfortable truths that many supporters continue to ignore, even as the pandemic’s consequences linger. Part of the narrative comes from Serrano’s firsthand encounters with key figures, while tracking the country’s situation during the Duterte regime.

It was also reviewed by three ambassadors who gave it glowing recommendations for the readers. They included Franz Jessen, former European Union ambassador to the Philippines; Jaroslaw Roman Szczepankiewicz, former ambassador of Poland to the Philippines; and Anke Reiffenstuel, former ambassador of Germany to the Philippines.

Ambassador Jessen said that Monsi Serrano “provides a comprehensive overview of the numerous, often conflicting developments that the Philippines has experienced in recent years. The book is written with a deep love for the Philippines and its people, as well as a hopeful vision for the country to seize the opportunities that lie ahead...”

Ambassador Szczepankiewicz noted that the book “offers a candid and thoughtful examination of governance during the Covid-19 crisis under the Duterte administration. Through a careful blend of political, economic and social analysis, the book highlights the far-reaching consequences of leadership decisions and underscores the enduring importance of accountability, press freedom and ethical leadership.”

For his part, Ambassador Reiffenstuel said that the author “presents a clear and thoughtful account of the experiences of Filipinos during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. Serrano’s work is distinguished by integrity, analytical depth and a steadfast commitment to responsible journalism.”

The launch was held at the Yawaragi Restaurant of Hotel Okura Manila in the Newport Resorts complex. Conveniently located just across Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Hotel Okura is perfect for the harried traveler who wants well-appointed and luxurious rooms for their stay. The hotel prepared a grand buffet of well-loved Japanese food, so tasty that I went for seconds and thirds, and more... Lydia’s also sent a lechon (roasted pig) for those who hankered for the Filipino food beloved in celebrations and feasts.

Twenty current ambassadors attended the book launching, along with 34 representatives from different embassies. Among the speakers were the Norwegian ambassador, Christian Halaas Lyster, whom I had met twice at his official residence during the reception for two Norwegian writers who attended the Manila International Book Fair in 2024 and 2025.

Ambassador Lyster and his genial wife, Madame Catherine, welcomed the delegation of Filipino publishers, writers, artists and government officials led by National Book Development Board (NBDB) Chairman Dante Ang II and current NBDB Executive Director Charisse Tugade.

In his short speech, German Ambassador Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoshnoscke was asked for more red carpets, and not red tape, for business to thrive further in the Philippines. The European Union head of delegation, Massimo Santoro, stressed the EU’s support for the Philippines, both in overcoming the pandemic and in maintaining a rules-based international order. He also voiced optimism about the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the EU and the Philippines, which he believes will jump-start job creation and economic growth. He also stressed the importance of the business sector in driving economic sustainability and digitalization, and thanked Monsi Serrano and others for their contributions.

Professor Dindo Manhit, the CEO and founder of the Stratbase Group, wrote an astute foreword. He said: “What makes this book special is how the author combines his personal experiences, professional knowledge and deep understanding of the Filipino spirit. He shares stories about the struggles that journalists, diplomats and business leaders faced during the pandemic. He also talks about how Filipino entrepreneurs showed resilience, how the media dealt with disinformation and how other countries supported the Philippines during tough times.”

Among these corporate angels who helped the country during the Covid-19 pandemic were the ALC Group, CDO Foodsphere, GCash, Lydia’s Lechon, Mekeni Food Corp., Meralco, San Miguel Corp., Grab and Hotel Okura.

Serrano’s book is available at the philbiznews.com website.

I have not read this book but it sounds like an interesting read. What does the author have to say about the economically devestating lockdowns? What does she have to say about Duterte and the Pharmally scandal?

High debt contracted during the pandemic continues to bind the Philippines. 

https://www.socialnews.xyz/2026/04/18/high-debt-ties-philippines-hands-in-response-to-energy-crisis-imf/

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on the Philippines to adopt a more targeted fiscal response to its ongoing energy crisis, warning that limited budget buffers constrain the government's ability to provide broad economic support, especially to the vulnerable sectors, local media reported on Saturday.

According to local media reports on Saturday, Krishna Srinivasan, director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, said at a press conference recently that rising public debt, now around 60 per cent of gross domestic product, up from 41.5 per cent before the COVID-19 pandemic, has reduced fiscal flexibility. 

Srinivasan suggested that the Philippines should use the fiscal buffers efficiently, emphasising the need to prioritise aid for the most vulnerable sectors, reports Xinhua news agency.

He stressed the need for the Philippines and other import-dependent economies with limited oil and gas reserves to carefully manage resources amid global fuel volatility.

In its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF downgraded its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines to 4.1 per cent, sharply lower than the 5.6 per cent projection issued in January, reflecting mounting external pressures and domestic constraints.

Meanwhile, the United States Department of the Treasury has extended a waiver permitting the delivery and sale of sanctioned Russian oil already loaded onto vessels, pushing the deadline to May 16, according to a document released on its official website.

The earlier 30-day waiver had expired on April 11.

The renewed license, issued on Friday (local time), is part of the administration's broader effort to stabilise global energy prices, which have surged amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The decision comes against the backdrop of several countries facing problems with the impact of rising energy costs and supply disruptions.

At the same time, the waiver continues to impose strict restrictions on dealings involving certain countries.

The move comes shortly after remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who had indicated that Washington does not intend to continue such waivers indefinitely amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Meanwhile, global oil prices saw a sharp decline of around 9 per cent on Friday, settling near $90 per barrel after Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route.

However, the broader conflict has already triggered what the International Energy Agency described as the worst disruption to global energy supplies in history.

The war, which entered its eighth week on Saturday, has reportedly damaged more than 80 oil and gas facilities across West Asia.

All those pandemic loans have come back to haunt the Philippines. 

The Iran war is bringing back pandemic memories in all the wrong ways. Shell closed its oil refinery in Tabango in 2020.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/04/19/2521904/philippines-should-boost-oil-reserves-build-refineries

The Philippines should simultaneously build facilities for strategic oil reserves and additional domestic refineries to combat future pump price shocks, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

Garin is backing proposals to establish a 90-day national oil reserve, which would provide a longer lead time for fuel companies to secure supplies, from the current 60 days the Philippines can handle.

“Building up reserves, though, is not enough. I would couple the national reserve with an additional refinery,” Garin told The STAR’s online show “Truth on the Line” on Thursday night.

The country has hosted four refineries: the oldest, operated by Caltex; two managed by Shell and one under Petron.

However, only Petron’s refinery in Limay, Bataan, is operating, capable of producing 180,000 barrels of finished petroleum products daily, equivalent to 30 percent of national demand.

In 2003, Caltex’s refinery in San Pascual, Batangas, which opened in 1954, was replaced with a “world-class” import terminal because the facility was no longer equipped to produce cleaner fuels.

Shell quietly closed its baseoil refinery in Pililia, Rizal, in 2002 and shut down its Tabangao refinery in Batangas City in 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic.

Garin said it’s better to have more domestic refineries, as they provide supply stability at a time when geopolitical tensions create uncertainty in energy flows.

“You see it in the prices of Petron, they are usually lower than most of the gas stations because it’s refined here. They buy crude oil, refine it here, and produce diesel, gas and kerosene for domestic use,” the energy chief stressed, adding, “That’s more stable and prices are better.”

Economist Joey Salceda noted in a commentary that when pump prices skyrocketed the first time in mid-March, Petron was one peso away from Flying V and Seaoil, the two cheapest brands in the country. Shell and Caltex were more expensive by P6 to P7, respectively.

Salceda, a former Albay lawmaker, stressed that Petron’s refinery is the closest thing to a strategic oil reserve because it could absorb shocks.

“Petron is a partial defense against the import bill rather than a contributor to it,” Salceda said.

“Importing finished product costs more per unit than importing crude and processing it domestically. The value-added that accrues abroad when we import finished products is value-added we are giving away,” he added.

The loss of domestic refineries, however, can be traced back to the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law of 1998, which freed the industry from government regulation.

The law imposed a three-percent uniform tariff on both imported crude oil and imported refined products, eroding refineries’ competitive advantage, since the raw material was previously taxed at lower rates.

Companies with refineries must also make a public offering of at least 10 percent of their common stock – a rule that has no counterpart for pure importers of refined products.

When Caltex shut its refinery in 2003, then-country chairman, Timothy Leveille, cited the drastically different economics it faced under the deregulation law.

“It costs us more to manufacture our products at Batangas than it costs our competitors to import theirs,” Leveille said.

These are some of the complex matters that Congress would have to address if both chambers take up amending the 28-year-old deregulation law – a measure that Garin said works well in good times but not in bad times.

“When the deregulation law passed, we disposed of everything, including the refinery. It’s all private now,” she said.

“Was that correct? Maybe that was a correct decision at the time. But times change, and I think we need to revisit having more of a national reserve and refinery,” she added.

Now there is only one refinery open which only exacerbates the energy crises and forces the Philippines to rely on other nations. 

Pandemic conditions are coming back for college students as classes migrate online once more. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1273283

A lawmaker on Monday urged local government units to provide support to college students encountering difficulties in meeting class requirements due to a lack of access to digital resources.

This, after the Commission on Higher Education allowed higher education institutions to shift fully to online classes amid the ongoing oil crisis.

“Sadly, due to the oil crisis we seem to have reverted to ‘pandemic mode’ with the shift to online classes. But that shouldn’t mean that inequities and gaps that were observed during the pandemic should continue to exist,” Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos said in a statement.

“In this regard, I hope that our LGUs can also provide support to students who lack resources to ensure that they are not left behind in their studies. This national crisis must not become an education crisis.”

She noted that during the pandemic, various LGU interventions helped students cope with the shift to online learning.

These include the establishment of free Wi-Fi hubs, internet voucher systems and subsidies, and the distribution of tablets, cellphones, and laptops, among the key interventions various LGUs have implemented that have had a positive impact on online learning.

“I believe that once again, our LGUs can be instrumental in ensuring that the educational crisis we are facing does not deepen further,” Bernos said.

The lawmaker has also called on local governments to explore service contracting agreements in public transport for the benefit of commuters.

"We have reverted back to pandemic mode." However, the Philippines has had several years to learn how to make the adjustment. Hopefully "pandemic mode" does not become a regular thing. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Pandemic Adulthood, Free Dinner, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

The pandemic hit Gen Z hard affecting their transition into adulthood. Now an art exhibit is exploring that situation. 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/ncca-gallery-opens-ini-inin-exhibit-exploring-gen-zs-pandemic-adulthood/

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Gallery officially opened “INI-ININ” on April 6, 2026, a compelling exhibition by the Butil Collective that examines the lived realities of Generation Z entering adulthood during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On view until April 30, the showcase features a diverse collection of paintings, stoneware, sculptures, and didactic materials that capture a generation’s sense of dislocation during years marked by global disruption and uncertainty.

The exhibition centers on the concept of pag-inin, a Filipino term describing a state of transition or being “in-between.” During the opening remarks, Vernon Perez explained that inin represents a state “where one is no longer who they were, yet not quite who they are becoming.” 

This metaphor, traditionally used for rice that is neither fully raw nor fully cooked, serves as a reflection of how young people navigated unfamiliar emotional landscapes when the pandemic suspended their formative years.

“For many Gen Zs, time appeared suspended, only to resume abruptly, leaving them to confront a reality that felt both overwhelming and unresolved,” the collective stated regarding the theme of the exhibit.

Curated by Rya Contreras, the exhibition features works from artists Andree Tiongson, Angelica Jacoba, Asaliah, Chesca Hernandez, Carlos Villaluz, Galan Maigue, Georgina Pomarejos, Jea Gavina, Kalila Camilon, and Sophia Sotolomba. 

Each artist contributes a personal narrative to a layered portrait of introspection and memory, bridging individual stories with broader social realities shaped by years of isolation and screen-mediated interaction.

Contreras acknowledged that the platform provided by the NCCA was vital for these artists, many of whom faced significant creative and personal constraints during the lockdowns. 

“Institutional support has been vital in providing platforms for creative expression during a time when many artists faced significant constraints,” Contreras noted during the opening ceremony, which featured a traditional untying of cloth to signal the start of the show.

“INI-ININ” stands as a collective response to the loss of time and interrupted growth experienced by contemporary youth. By exploring themes of absence and agency, the members of Butil Collective aim to make sense of a period defined by transition. 

The NCCA Gallery, located in Intramuros, invites the public to engage with these reflections on identity and the enduring impact of the pandemic through the end of the month.

Who didn't experience "time appear(ing) suspended, only to resume abruptly, leaving them to confront a reality that felt both overwhelming and unresolved?" Where is our art exhibit?

Not only have emergency health allowances been delayed but pandemic-era economic obligations to jeepney drivers also remain delayed. 

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/public-transport-service-contracting-program-returns-unpaid-pandemic-obligations/

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government tapped public utility vehicles (PUVs) to provide free transportation to commuters under a service contracting program.

Amid rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East, the government is reviving the program. This time, it comes with a 20% discount, unlike the free transportation service before.

But some operators who participated in the service contracting program during the pandemic said they have yet to be paid by the government.

Mega Manila Consortium Corporation spokesperson Juliet De Jesus said in a radio interview with DZMM that the government under then-president Rodrigo Duterte still owes member-operators at least P32 million for free bus rides along EDSA.

So what caused the delay in payments? 

Department of Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said in a press conference on Friday, April 10, that in the early days of the service contracting program during the pandemic, many vehicles operated without GPS tracking because of the immediate need for public transportation.

This led to discrepancies between data reported by operators and records held by the government.

Pastor, who led the service contracting program during the pandemic, said GPS devices were installed only later on.

He added that payment computations were also more complex at that time, since the program covered fully free rides for commuters.

De Jesus said that funds intended for contracted operators were returned by then–Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Martin Delgra III to the Department of Budget and Management.

The service contracting program was first launched under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, also known as Bayanihan 2, to help public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers affected by the pandemic.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chair Vigor Mendoza III said that the agency is already investigating the issue. Mendoza targets a three- to five-day turnaround for payments to contracted PUV operators. 

In 2021, during the pandemic, some jeepney drivers also reported delays in payment, as well as inadequate payments. 

To make sure that the delays and inconsistencies in recording would be avoided, a government-contracted vehicle is required to install a GPS device. Payments will be processed via online banking or e-wallet transfers.

Under the revived scheme, the government will compensate PUV operators and drivers based on distance traveled, with rates varying depending on the type of vehicle.

And it's all because poor jeepney drivers who likely can't afford GPS did not use GPS which was required to track their movements! That's some red tape right there. 

Another pandemic-era community kitchen has returned. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/12/kainta-yo-cainta-mayor-resumes-town-pantry-to-serve-free-dinner

Amid the rising cost of basic goods, Cainta, Rizal Mayor Kit Nieto resumed the “One Cainta Pantry” feeding program to provide residents with free dinners and help ease the daily expenses of families.

Nieto said the town pantry would go around different areas of the town every Monday to Friday throughout the year, starting at 5 p.m., to serve free dinner to up to 300 residents.

To ensure a clean and spacious area for food preparation, the mayor ordered the reopening of the central kitchen at One Arena, where General Services Office staff will handle daily meal preparation to help reduce costs.

The mayor said the program will be served buffet-style and encouraged residents who will line up to bring their own plates and utensils.

“To help cut costs, residents are advised to bring their own plates and utensils. Meals are served buffet-style to prevent taking more than the allotted portion,” Nieto said.

The mayor added that each municipal department will be assigned a schedule to assist in food serving and distribution, saying this also aims to give government personnel a better understanding of the daily struggles faced by residents.

“This program will run throughout the year. Providing a family with even one dinner already goes a long way in easing their daily expenses,” he stated.

Meanwhile, he said he will not attend all distribution activities, as he aims to preserve the program’s integrity and keep it free from political use.

The program was relaunched last Friday, April 10, at San Buena Compound in Barangay Sto. Domingo, with the next stop set in Gruar.

Originally launched before the COVID-19 pandemic, the program began on January 30, 2019, along Westbank Road in Barangay San Andres.

The twist is that it began just before the pandemic started. 

The Philippines tourism sector is slowly recovering from the pandemic "but structural weaknesses in infrastructure, connectivity, and governance continue to hold the sector back from reaching its full potential." 

https://dailyguardian.com.ph/pids-study-flags-structural-gaps-limiting-phl-tourism/

The Philippines is recovering from the pandemic-era tourism slump, but structural weaknesses in infrastructure, connectivity, and governance continue to hold the sector back from reaching its full potential, according to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

The study, titled “Philippine Tourism Sectoral Review (2000–2025): From Promise to Power — Accelerating the Philippines’ Tourism Transformation toward Sustainability, Competitiveness, and Inclusion,” was presented during a recent PIDS webinar by Senior Research Fellow Dr. John Paolo Rivera.

“Tourism recovery is real… we are not maximizing that growth,” Rivera said in a PIDS press release. “The issue here is not just demand. The issue here is systems.”

Recovery without traction

In 2024, the Philippines ranked seventh among Association of Southeast Asian Nations members in international visitor arrivals, welcoming 5.9 million tourists. That figure placed the country well behind Thailand at 35.5 million, Malaysia at 25 million, and Vietnam at 17.5 million.

The country’s post-pandemic recovery rate of 72.02 percent also trailed behind Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand.

While the Philippines ranked first in ASEAN for tourism’s overall GDP contribution, generating USD 78 billion in 2023 driven largely by its domestic market, it placed only fifth in international visitor expenditures at USD 11.3 billion.

The World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index ranked the Philippines 69th out of 119 economies globally, pulled down by a low score of 1.55 out of 7 in tourism services and infrastructure.

Rivera pointed to persistent structural gaps: fewer arrivals relative to regional peers, lower spending per visitor, shorter stays, and slower investment flows. He said the country’s underperformance stems not from weak potential but from weak systems.

“We are underperforming not because of weak potential… [but] because of weak systems,” he said.

Revenues have surged to nearly PHP 700 billion in recent years, driven largely by domestic tourism, which has served as the backbone of the sector’s rebound.

Weak links in the chain

Yet inbound tourism, the main source of higher-value spending and foreign exchange, remains constrained by limited airport capacity, high travel costs, weak inter-island connectivity, and investment friction.

Discussant Dr. Maria Cherry Lyn Rodolfo of the Asian Institute of Management said tourism performance is fundamentally a system and network issue, not a branding problem.

“Connectivity policy is actually tourism policy,” she stressed.

In an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands, with nearly all international visitors arriving by air, tourism is experienced as a chain — from international access to domestic transport and local services.

“In a network, the performance is determined by the weakest link,” Rodolfo said.

The study identified specific bottlenecks, including airport capacity constraints and a lack of direct flight routes connecting international markets to destinations beyond major gateways, as well as inadequate inter-island transport that drives up travel costs and inconveniences visitors.

Uneven infrastructure development concentrates tourists into a few highly visited areas, leading to overtourism and environmental pressures in hotspots like Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay while leaving other high-potential regions underdeveloped.

Department of Tourism Region III Director Dr. Richard Daenos emphasized that the challenge also lies in execution.

“We would like to focus on something that is not negotiable, and this is to fix infrastructure first,” he said, noting that without these fundamentals, even strong marketing efforts will have limited impact.

“This cannot be done at the same time, not everything at once,” Daenos added, underscoring the need to sequence reforms strategically.

Niche markets, untapped edges

He cited priority segments where the Philippines has a competitive edge, including island and beach tourism, diving, community-based tourism, and cultural and culinary experiences.

The study highlighted several emerging niche markets that could help diversify offerings and attract higher-spending tourists.

Culinary tourism pilot programs in places like Iloilo, which showcase iconic dishes like La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo alongside local seafood, and Bohol’s Loboc River Cruise, which merges dining with music and nature, are helping build global recognition for Filipino cuisine.

Farm tourism hubs like the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm in Benguet and Damires Hills in Iloilo allow tourists to experience rural life through crop picking and eco-recreation, creating climate-smart livelihoods for local farmers.

Adventure tourism leverages the country’s diverse topography through activities like canyoneering at Kawasan Falls in Cebu, spelunking in Sagada, and ATV rides around Mayon Volcano.

Dark tourism sites linked to history and resilience, including Corregidor Island, Camiguin’s Sunken Cemetery, and the Liberty Shrine in Mactan, are also drawing growing global interest.

Medical tourism, meanwhile, leverages affordable, high-quality healthcare facilities and English-speaking professionals to provide coordinated care for international patients.

Fixing the system, not just the pitch

Commission on Higher Education Technical Panel for Tourism and Hospitality Management Member Dr. Maria Christina Aquino reinforced the need for a whole-of-system approach.

“It takes a village to raise tourism,” she said.

Aquino pointed to gaps in workforce development, accreditation systems, infrastructure, and destination planning, as well as the concentration of tourism benefits in a few major hubs.

The study recommended a coordinated, whole-of-government approach involving the Department of Tourism, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to modernize airports, upgrade seaport infrastructure, and develop road networks linking tourism areas.

It also called for bridging connectivity gaps through public-private partnerships and integrating regional tourism circuits into the national Public Investment Program and the “Build, Better, More” portfolio.

The study recommended revising the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority charter to expand PPP models and local investment portfolios, and urged Congress to craft a “tourism circuit development and investment act” that provides targeted incentives for multi-LGU tourism clusters and infrastructure corridors.

To address fragmented local governance, the study proposed establishing inter-LGU tourism councils secured through memoranda of agreement, harmonizing local tourism codes with the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, and creating permanent plantilla positions for local tourism officers to ensure institutional continuity.

The NTDP’s nine strategic pillars cover improved tourism experience, enhanced connectivity, workforce development, authentic tourism experiences, digitalization, high-value tourism, enhanced promotions, sustainable and resilient tourism, and greater collaboration across national agencies, LGUs, and global partners.

The study also called for mainstreaming digital innovation, including the development of a tourist lifecycle app, integration of financial technologies, and improved internet access across destinations.

It emphasized institutionalizing the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, which blends core Filipino values like compassion, empathy, and respect with practical service skills for frontline workers.

Among the regions benefiting most from domestic tourism growth are CALABARZON, Central Visayas, the Bicol Region, Central Luzon, and the Davao Region.

Tourism-specific products, including shopping, accommodation, passenger transport, and food and beverage, account for 70 percent of the country’s Tourism Direct Gross Value Added. Tourism-related products make up the remaining 30 percent.

“Tourism has always been the fastest driver of employment… but only if tourism is treated as a national economic strategy — not just a sector,” Rivera said.

If all the internal infrastructure is weak how was the Philippines able to be such a hot spot destination before the pandemic? Essentially PIDS is saying the tourism sector is recovering slowly because the nation is backwards which is not something quickly and easily fixed. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Revive Community Kitchen, Lockdown Unnecessary, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

Fake news about another lockdown due to a new COVID-19 variant has been circulating online. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2206591/doh-emergency-lockdown-due-to-covid-19-variant-fake

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday dismissed circulating claims that there will be an emergency lockdown starting April 10, 2026 due to the “Cicada” variant of the Covid-19 virus. 

In an advisory, the DOH tagged posts by Facebook pages “Pinoy Newswire,” “Malasakit News Update: Balitang Sapat, Serbisyong Totoo,” and “Weather Patrol” as “fake news.” 

“The Department of Health emphasizes that circulating claims of emergency lockdown in the country due to Covid-19 Cicada variant is false,” the DOH said.

“There is no reason to implement a lockdown. The agency earlier said last March 31 that the Philippines remains safe from this variant,” it added. 

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Covid variant BA.3.2 or the “Cicada” variant was first detected in a respiratory sample collected on Nov. 22, 2024 in South Africa. 

The CDC noted that the variant has been reported in 23 countries as of Feb. 11, 2026, while detections in the US began increasing in September 2025. 

In a radio interview with DZMM Teleradyo last March 31, DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said that while coronavirus mutates, it does not mean that it is something to worry about already.

“It is called a variant under monitoring. There is no reason to be alarmed or bothered by it because the figures do not change. In fact, based on our latest monitoring, there are 60% fewer Covid-19 cases in the Philippines compared to last year,” Domingo said. 

With this, the DOH urged the public to refrain from sharing false information in social media and only rely on verified details provided by the agency and other legitimate media platforms. 

Meanwhile, the Palace on Friday also tagged as “fake news” a circulating announcement from the Department of Energy that there would be an energy lockdown starting April 20, 2026.

The DOH says it's not happening and the number of COVID cases is down by 60% from past year. 

There has been speculation about a lockdown due to the fuel crisis but Senator Gatchalian says that would be unnecessary and economically devastating.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2207675/lockdowns-not-needed-would-hurt-economy-gatchalian

After Malacañang recently denied rumors of an energy lockdown, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian believes such a drastic measure is not necessary as it would adversely affect the economy.

Gatchalian, in a press briefing on Monday, said that many individuals will lose their jobs if a lockdown, just like during the the COVID-19 pandemic, is implemented by the government.

Instead, the concern should be on how the government can stretch its existing oil and fuel supply.

(I don’t advise that we do a lockdown similar to COVID-19 because that would stop our entire economy, many people would lose their jobs.  What we need is to extend the number of days in terms of fuel inventory.)

(We don’t have problems in terms of jobs, we do not have problems regarding health concerns, our problem is how to stretch or the number of days in terms of inventory.)

Malacañang last Friday debunked a circulating “announcement” supposedly from the Department of Energy (DOE) claiming there would be an energy lockdown starting April 20, 2026.

The fraudulent advisory urged the public to prepare power banks, solar equipment, candles, lamps, food, and other essentials in anticipation of the energy lockdown.

Gatchalian said he has already proposed a rationing of fuel to ensure that the current 50 day supply for diesel and gasoline would be stretched out to as far as 80 to 90 days.

The proposal was contained in a set of recommendations he released after two hearings of the Senate’s proactive response and oversight for timely and effective crisis strategy (PROTECT) committee which he heads.

(My proposal is to have rationing or what they call a volume cap, either way, what’s important now is for us to stretch the number of days of our inventory, because right now, if we look at our petroleum products, on the average it will last for 50 days.)

Among Gatchalian’s suggestions in the preliminary report he released last April 1 is a possible price cap on petroleum products and the rationing of fuel, to address supply concerns caused by the Middle East conflict.

What a shock! Where was this guy six years ago when the government killed the economy for no good reason except fear? What a hypocrite. 

While lockdowns may not be returning, the community kitchen in Iloilo City may be coming back.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1272483

This highly urbanized city is preparing to revive the community kitchen initiative to aid the most vulnerable sectors amid surging fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.

In an interview Tuesday, General Services Office head and Crisis Management Council executive director Neil Ravena said they will conduct a simulation exercise in Barangay Boulevard and Barangay Calaparan so they can effectively respond when the poorest of the poor can no longer afford to buy food.

“We will pilot test so that in the worst-case scenario, we have an automatic response and we can identify the families that we will serve,” he said.

During the simulation exercise, they will practice the integration of responses, identify the beneficiaries and distribute food.

With the intervention, they would know the funds needed to sustain the operations for the expected number of days when they need to subsidize food.

“It will be managed by the CSWDO (City Social Welfare and Development Office) as a response to the current crisis we are experiencing. They will be the ones to distribute. There is a focal person in every barangay,” he said.

Ravena said they will be partnering with Central Philippine University for the establishment of a biowave stove, using rice hulls and sawdust instead of liquefied petroleum gas.

The City Agriculturist Office also volunteered to utilize the produce of city-government-supported vegetable gardens.

The community kitchen was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2023, with the city government leading the preparation of food for the affected residents.

With the support of the private sector donors, the community kitchen served more than 30,000 meals daily.

At least this time they will be prepared. 

In 2020 one decided to escape to his farm in Tuba, Benguet. Now it is a popular tourist destination. 

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/how-um-a-farm-in-tadiangan-tuba-is-revolutionizing-agritourism-and-driving-growth-in-the-philippines/

Tourism in Barangay Tadiangan in Tuba, Benguet is steadily blossoming, thanks in large part to the rise of agritourism, which combines the beauty of nature, local food, and community involvement. One of the standout destinations in the area is Um-a Farm, a unique farm-to-table experience that offers visitors a chance to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Beginnings of Um-a Farm

What started as a private retreat during the height of the pandemic has transformed into a popular agritourism destination. According to Chariz Garcia, an employee of the farm, Um-a Farm began as a peaceful escape for the farm’s owner. However, recognizing the potential of the property, the owner decided to develop the farm and open it to the public in 2024, providing not only a place for relaxation but also a unique culinary experience.

Now fully operational, Um-a Farm has evolved into a sought-after destination for those looking to experience both nature and food in a more interactive and personal way. It proudly promotes a farm-to-table concept, allowing guests to participate in the process of harvesting the vegetables they will later enjoy. This concept has created a deeper connection between visitors and the food they consume, making the dining experience truly one-of-a-kind.

A Hands-On Farm-to-Table Experience

The unique aspect of Um-a Farm is its emphasis on interactive dining. Guests are invited to personally pick vegetables such as pechay, lettuce, kangkong, and watercress from the farm. After harvesting, visitors can request their preferred way of cooking the freshly picked produce, enhancing the personalized nature of the meal.

In addition to its wide variety of vegetables, the farm also raises chickensand has a tilapia fish pond, providing a full circle of ingredients for their dishes. The farm ensures that all the food served is of the highest quality, with a focus on organic farming practices that guarantee fresh, healthy meals. The commitment to sustainable, organic farming is a point of pride for the farm, as Garcia mentions that production is consistent and entirely organic, ensuring the freshest ingredients for each meal.

Supporting Local Communities Through Agritourism

The growth of Um-a Farm has not only enhanced the tourism appeal of Barangay Tadiangan but also significantly contributed to the local community. The increasing number of visitors has provided local residentswith new job opportunities and avenues for livelihood. Punong Barangay Feliciano Buyagao Alipda Jr. of Tadiangan notes that the success of the farm has sparked the growth of small businesses in the surrounding area, creating a positive economic ripple effect.

The farm has also brought greater recognition to the whole barangay, with Garcia pointing out that when visitors mention Um-a Farm, they are effectively promoting the entire community. This recognition helps draw more attention to Tadiangan, showcasing its agricultural beauty and potential as a tourist destination.

The increasing popularity of Um-a Farm has made it a valuable contributor to the development of the local economy, and it is becoming clear that agritourism is a key player in community development. As more visitors come to experience the farm, the economic opportunities for local residents continue to grow.

Agritourism as a Model for Sustainable Development

Um-a Farm stands as a prime example of how agritourism can lead to community growth and sustainability. By offering visitors a unique, hands-on experience, the farm has created a model where nature, food, and local culture intersect. This approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also supports the livelihoods of those living in the area.

The success of Um-a Farm proves that agritourism can be a powerful tool for local development. As more people recognize the benefits of connecting with nature and supporting local farmers, the farm has positioned itself as a sustainable tourism destination that nurtures both the environment and the local economy.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Agritourism in Tuba

As Um-a Farm continues to grow and attract more visitors, its role in Tadiangan’s and Tuba’s tourism development will likely expand. With the increasing interest in agritourism in the region, Um-a Farm is well positioned to become a key player in the area’s tourism landscape. By continuing to promote sustainable farming practices and offering a personal, hands-on experience, the farm can set a benchmark for other agritourism destinations in the country.

The future of agritourism in Tadiangan looks bright, with more opportunities for local communities to benefit from the tourism sector while preserving their agricultural heritage. As Um-a Farm proves, blending agriculture, tourism, and community involvement can lead to both economic prosperity and sustainable growth.

Another success borne out of the unnecessary and economically crippling lockdown.