The Negros Occidental provincial government has started discussions on the recovery of the local economy in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
Governor Eugenio Lacson led a meeting held at the Capitol Social Hall here on Monday, where provincial consultant on economic affairs Alfredo Benitez, former representative of the Third District, presented a recovery plan framework, while the various departments and offices also outlined their respective recovery programs.
“We are now in the second half of the year and the serious task on how we can save both lives and livelihood are staring at us in the face,” Lacson said in his message.
He pointed out that hundreds to thousands of Negrenses from various sectors such as agriculture, services, transportation, food, accommodation, construction, and trade are gravely affected by the economic impact of the lockdowns and quarantine measures.
As businesses struggle to cover the costs of operations and how to pay their employees, governments are also trying to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic, he added.
Lacson said given that physical distancing might be the new norm for an indefinite period of time, it would be beneficial to public health, but can also add to the burden on the concerted efforts to revive the economy.
“Thus, the need not just for decisive actions, but for also innovative means to address both public health and economic concerns. (T)he road we are about to take is not the road less traveled, but the road not yet traveled at all…We are all in this together, we shall overcome this together,” he added.
Benitez said that for “a very good reason”, the government itself switched off business, transportation, and mobility which stalled the economy.
“Now that we are more confident and we have more knowledge on how to protect ourselves, we want to switch it back on. But is it as simple as switching it back on? Is it that’s going to happen? Maybe not,” he added.
Benitez said that on short-term planning, the focus should be on how to sustain and prevent losses in the business sector.
He added the Covid-19 crisis is estimated to have brought about PHP9.57 billion worth of economic losses to the province.
“One thing that we should support and assist is the supply chain so that businesses can start coming back,” he added.
The former lawmaker also said that the province should then move towards the future by investing in digital revolution.
During the activity, department and office heads as well as chiefs of hospitals, presented the recovery plans for each cluster, which include the projects, programs, and activities, identified gaps, and the necessary interventions.
As of press time, Negros Occidental has 83 confirmed cases of Covid-19. (Nanette Guadalquiver)