Malacañang said that the downshift to Alert Level 1 in the National Capital Region and 38 other areas will add at least P9 billion worth of economic activity per week as the reduced restrictions will allow many Filipinos to have better incomes.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the statement after the government’s pandemic task force decided to move Metro Manila and 38 other areas to the COVID-19 Alert Level 1 starting March 1 until March 15, 2022.

In his press briefing on Monday, February 28, Nograles said the downshift to Alert Level 1 will have a positive effect on the economy.

“[We expect an additional] P9.4 billion worth in economic activity per week and 170,000 less unemployed individuals in the next three months kung tuloy-tuloy pa po itong pag-a-Alert Level 1 natin (if we will continue to be under Alert Level 1),” he said.

According to Nograles, the shift to Alert Level 1 was possible because of the public’s sacrifices to overcome the pandemic.

“We are reaping the rewards of collective action. It is collective action that has resulted in more than just restrictions in our daily lives, it also means reduced restrictions that will contribute to more livelihood opportunities and better incomes for many of our kababayans (fellowmen),” he said.

However, even if the development can be considered a victory for the country, the acting Palace spokesman said it was not the time for Filipinos to rejoice.

“Hindi pa panahon para magdiwang (It’s not yet time to celebrate),” he said.

“Kailangan pa rin po nating maging responsable sa ating mga sarili, sa ating pamilya, at sa ating komunidad (We still need to be responsible for ourselves, our families, and for our communities),” he added.

Nograles reminded the public to get vaccinated and those who are qualified to already get their booster shot.

“Ang mga bakunang binibigay ng pamahalaan ay garantisadong de-kalidad, ligtas, at epektibo (The vaccines that the government is giving you are guaranteed of quality, safe, and effective),” he said.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

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