‘New normal’ to yield P19 billion economic output

MANILA, Philippines — The economy is expected to gain P9.4 billion weekly after the government placed Metro Manila and other areas under the most lenient pandemic alert classification starting today.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua said the shift to Alert Level 1 or the so-called “new normal” would generate P9.4 billion in additional economic output per week.

This means the two-week Alert Level 1 status in effect until March 15 would yield P18.8 billion.

Metro Manila alone contributes a third of the overall gross domestic product in the country.

Over the weekend, the government decided to place Metro Manila and 38 other areas under the lowest alert level, as COVID-19 cases continue to decline.

COVID cases over the past weeks have been within the 1,000 daily level, a sharp drop from the record-high cases in January due to the Omicron variant.

Apart from P9.4 billion in economic output, Chua also said the shift would reduce the number of unemployed Filipinos by 170,000.

The economy has long been in need of more activities to spur recovery from the pandemic.

With the shift, more economic activities are expected to drive up consumption. Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel will be permitted regardless of age and comorbidities or health risks.

Further, public transportation will be at full seating capacity and the use of acrylic or plastic dividers shall no longer be required.

All establishments may also operate at full on-site or venue capacity provided that minimum public health standards like proper ventilation, frequent hand washing and wearing of face masks are observed.

All private offices and workplaces may also operate at full capacity but flexible and alternative work arrangements as deemed appropriate based on function or individual risk are still applicable.

Other areas in Luzon under Alert Level 1 are Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Kalinga, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela, Quirino, Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, Romblon, Naga City and Catanduanes.

In the Visayas, areas to be under the new normal are Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Siquijor, and Biliran while those in Mindanao include Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, and Davao City.