MA. ANDRELIE OGALESCO
ENG 1 - 2
STS: REFLECTIVE NARRATIVE
Topic 3: Food Safety & Security during lockdown
IN THE THREAT OF HUNGER
The first thing that came into my mind when I have known that the virus has arrived
in our country was worry and with a slight touch of panic. There were so many things
that went on my mind, the fact that classes will be suspended, people will get infected or
worse die because of the virus. It was a roller coaster of emotions for me upon knowing
on that Monday noon, after our PE badminton class, that there were already 24 cases of
COVID-19 in Manila hence, the classes were suspended for the whole week. I was eager
to go home because of my safety that’s why I immediately went to my dorm after class
and went straight back to Bulacan, with an idea that the suspension might be longer that I
expected.
I can say that our family is in the middle class of the society since I am studying in a
well-known and good university and we all have our necessities. During the first week of
the quarantine, we had stocked up on food for a month long and as expected during our
grocery shopping, people were already panic-buying. Long lines on each counter, the
decreasing number of displays on each food rack, and as well as the worried and
exhausted faces of each people that I see not knowing what to do during the pandemic.
Days and weeks passed and the only observation that I see is the incompetence of the
government when it comes to extending their help for the unfortunate Filipinos. This
season was really a threatening one for everyone because it is not only our health being
at risk but only the personal lives of each Filipino as well as the country’s economy.
As far as I know, based on the news and articles that I have read, P100 billion SAP
(Social Amelioration Program) funds of the government were given away for those
citizens who are need during the quarantine and as complicated as it can be, this is still
not enough because there were still many families that are in the most need for help. I
think that the government lacks planning on this one because instead of putting into
action the development and support for our health care system, they are giving attention
to those things that are inappropriate and irrelevant during these times.
On the brighter side of this pandemic, there were still good news that I was seeing
every day. From the different fund raising, different organizations helping each other for
the unfortunate people and the speaking up of different famous personalities and artists
for the help and support of many Filipinos in need. I really hope that I could help ease
the tragic happenings for those families because losing a job is miserable and with the
threat of COVID-19, is it simply the worst to happen in one’s life.
Topic 4: Water Resources Management
TO CONSERVE AND CONSUME
During the state of the lockdown, water was not one of the main problem in our
country since the most affected resources were food. Though, for some places, I think
that scarcity of clean water is one of their major problems aside from the virus. To think
that our family lives in a subdivision, clean water was sometimes a problem because
there were times that when I turn on the faucet, you will be disgusted on how dark the
water that comes out of it. I can say that it was not a big problem for us because we were
always have a drum full of clean water in any case that things like that happen.
For some reason, I know that I should be thankful because clean water on a thirdworld country like the Philippines is a blessing. There are many far-flung places that not
only clean water can reach but also the source of good food and other basic necessities.
Though for some places like the mountains near rivers and streams, freshwater could be
used as an alternative but there is nothing better than a natural drinking water for people
especially for children. I was thinking that even though these far places is experiencing
water scarcity, the virus won’t reach them or there is slight chance that will because
transportation to their places is difficult and it takes a lot of courage and compassion for
someone to go to these places. On the other side of the scenario, people living in the rural
and urban areas should always take not with regards in conservation and proper usage of
water. Yes, we can say that we are not experiencing water scarcity but or the sake of
being ready and being an efficient and practical human being, we should always think of
the possibilities that might happen in the future and it will surely affect our lives.
Topic 5: Human Health
A THREAT OF AN INVISIBLE ENEMY
In a long shot scenario and issue like the COVID-19, health care and well-being of
the people should always be the top one priority of the government but, for our situation,
I really think that the government lacks the competency and compassion in the case of
addressing the situation. Currently there are more than 12,000 cases of COVID-19 in the
Philippines. As far as I remember, the first few cases were only 10 then it became 24 and
now 12,000. I really can’t comprehend how the government lacks the sense of urgency
during these times. Health care should be the first and top most priority for them because
it is the lives of their fellowmen at risk as well as the economy of the country.
During the first weeks of the lockdown and quarantine, the cases of the virus spread
throughout the cities of Metro Manila. It was when I thought that mass testing should be
done immediately. It is the only way that I can think to lessen panic and have a head start
because when we know the real numbers, we should know the real action that we can do.
Days have passed and when I first heard on the news that starting April 14, 2020 the
government will star mass testing and contact tracing of the suspect COVID-19 carriers.
I felt relieved after that because finally, the government have already planned it out.
Then April 14 came, I really thought that mass testing will occur and the cases will go up
as expected, but I can’t really feel the mass testing happening. Though there were a few
LGUs that took action and did their own mass testing but our own national government
didn’t. A few days just passed and Harry Roque said that there would be no mass testing
and only an ‘expanded targeted testing’ for COVID-19. How come could they think
about that if the numbers of cases in the Philippines is not decreasing and the curve is not
flattening?
With the almost 2 months of quarantine, some provinces were already under
‘General Community Quarantine’ which means that there are less strict forces for that
area. Though, I think this might be a problem because our country hasn’t controlled yet
the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. For now, mass testing should really be
implemented because many countries have done that and now like Vietnam is already
COVID-19 free.
The threat of COVID-19 not only in our country but throughout the world is really
devastating and harsh. Serious actions should be taken by the government to help lessen
and control the spread of the virus since vaccine is not yet available, but I hope soon will
be. As for the people, their lives is at high risk so we all should know and be responsible
that this virus is not a joke and can and will always kill without proper precaution. As far
as I know, different scientists in many countries are doing their best effort to come up
with the vaccine as soon as possible. Though, this might be our only chance to survive
this, the best thing to do for now is to take care of ourselves as well as our mental wellbeing.