Around the world, thousands if not millions have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even citizens from first world countries are struggling to keep their old jobs, how much more to a poor country like the Philippines.
The Philippine government is still in the battle of the Covid-19 crisis. The rate of recovery is high, but the threat of Covid exists. The country lacks testing facilities for early detection of covid and the country’s healthcare provider, Philihealth is about to close.
And without looking into statistics, there are three main facts that Filipinos should be aware of:
- The sense of normalcy or the way things were will not be back in the Year 2021
- A lot of Jobs will not be available for everyone in the Year 2021
- Some companies will feel the blow of the pandemic in the Year 2021
Fact number 1. There are many Filipino’s who undermine the threat of Covid. Though all of them are aware that free public health care is weak in the Philippines, many continue to violate basic safety protocols, such as wearing facemasks in public areas and avoid crowding on beaches and malls. Some Filipinos mimic the acts of freedom from citizens of America and Europe. Two (2) countries with good healthcare.
Even Philhealth, the Philippines healthcare insurance arm cannot sustain the crisis. As the department is bound for bankruptcy due to mismanagement and corruption. With an alleged ₱15 billion stolen by PhilHealth execs in alleged fraud schemes.
The pandemic is depressing but all should be aware that little sacrifices like wearing masks and avoiding crowded places can help the nation recover from the pandemic.
Fact number 2. The job skills of today may not be needed for tomorrow. It is evident that there will be a decrease in demand for jobs in other areas of the Philippine economy. The first wave of the pandemic or Year 2020, showed us that there will be no increase in demand for jobs relating to Tourism and Travel. The pandemic is here to stay and many will still be hesitant to travel even if the vaccine will be available next year. But aside from those areas, it is also important to note that jobs from food and dining will also be affected. And as more companies will shift to a work from home status, there is also a lesser need for workers in building maintenance.
The point being driven is, not many of the traditional jobs will be available come the Year 2021. There should be an urgent sense of awareness for everyone that it is important to learn a new skill today. The year 2021 offers uncertainty and it is better to be prepared.
Fact number 3. The Philippines today has billions of money in circulation. The Philippine government reallocated budgets and borrowed money just to sustain the economy. These big chunks of Philippine pesos are available for businesses in the Philippines and they are sustaining. But what if the flow of money slows down? What if the new behavior of spending reduces the earnings of these businesses in the Philippines?
There are a lot of businesses today that are hanging on for dear life. They are on the brink of closure and all of their workers are at risk of losing jobs in a year when job vacancies will not be available.
Owners are trying to keep their businesses at float and managers are finding creative ways to maintain operation at a lower cost. But how long can they hold on? Can they recover quickly to provide more jobs to Filipinos or just sustain their current ranks?
Should we be worried about all of the uncertainties?
The effects of the pandemic on a poor country like the Philippines is not certain. The government is doing its best to recover and maintain a balance between boosting the economy and maintaining the safety of public health.
But if the balance fails and everything will tip to the negative side, we Filipinos must be aware of these three (3) facts. We Filipinos must prepare for the worst that can be brought to the country by the pandemic. The Filipinos must be responsible enough and help their countrymen by following basic health protocols. And the poor Filipinos must be aware that jobs may be lost and vacancies may not be abundant next year. And this year is the right time to learn new skills. Every day is an opportunity for new skills. Continue to be relevant in the industry of the future.
And let this be an inspiration in keeping our country safe and an inspiration for the learning of a new skill. The Philippine Government made it clear during the height of the pandemic, that it cannot help everyone who loses their job.
