Written by Tina Cisneros

What was once a peaceful day of January 27 turned out to be the beginning of a nightmare for Filipinos when around 4:00 in the afternoon, the first ever case of what was previously called as nCoV, now known as COVID-19, was reported.  

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that emerged from the province of Wuhan in China during the last month of 2019 shook the world with its existence. Normal activities to perform such as going to school, bonding with friends, food trips, shopping and others that require social interaction suddenly were put to a halt. 

Science

COVID-19 proves that there are a lot bound to be discovered yet. There is more to know in the world we live in. One may think that the deadliest illness that struck humankind is the Spanish flu during the 1918 or the Ebola virus that began in Congo.

Science, as derived from the Latin scientia, means to know. It is not just knowledge acquired by someone instantaneously. It is a process of continuously knowing and learning. In the Philippines, it seems that science is undermined. That is why people should give value to organizations and institutions who aim to promote science and its causes. More importantly, there is a great necessity to invest on people who have the potential to contribute to science in the future guaranteed that they are equipped with the right skills and abilities or are being honed through launching programs that meet the mission, vision, and objectives of science. One of the contributions they can give is research that is a means of expansion of what we have already discovered, known, and comprehended. 

Technology

In the same way, there is an importance in technology as much as science to be allotted with resources. Our country, in terms of technological progression, is closely at the tail end. The advancements in technology can certainly be beneficial in treating and curing illnesses and combating the spread of viruses, one of which we have at present.

During the first few months of the crisis, we heavily relied in another country, Australia, with the testing and releasing of results of people who had undergone the test. It was only in April that scientists from the University of the Philippines were able to produce test kits that are much cheaper than other countries' and are faster in yielding results.

Moreover, instead of being able to develop our own vaccine against the virus, the Philippines depends on China, Russia, and the United States for it, confident enough to trust their words that we will be prioritized when a vaccine is finally manufactured. What relief it would be if with sufficient funding for improving and modernizing the technology at hand, we will be just as capable and ready for situations akin to what we are facing today.

Society

With the occurrence of COVID-19 in the world, societies had different ways of approaching it. While countries like Vietnam, New Zealand, and Taiwan focused on the crisis itself, our officials paid little attention to the matters that are far more important and belittled the imminent detrimental effects of the pandemic, instead. They were too complacent that it can be easily suppressed because the person who represents the country made a good laugh out of it. Now, the reported number of positive cases are increasing every day. Everything seems to be out of control for it was not taken seriously in the first place. Situations like this reveal what kind of society we belong to and how it deals with problems. They should have their eyes fixed on the problem.

Those in position are the ones who make decisions whose outcomes are crucial to everyone, so it is vital that priorities are clear and that immediate and effective measures be implemented. In the same way, we as citizens, should be disciplined as well. Let us not be a complicit to the already horrible position our country is subdued in. Truly, COVID-19 has impacted different aspects of our lives in innumerable and indefinable ways. Start speaking, voicing out on issues that do not solely concern you. Make a change. Make your move.