Five years have passed since the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the Philippines was announced on March 11, 2020, a time that tested the resilience of Filipinos.
The pandemic changed lives across the world, shutting down industries, forcing businesses to close, and leaving many without jobs. Fear and uncertainty spread as families worried about their health and safety.
For Dr. Fritz Philip Maniquis, a medical frontliner from Calasiao, Pangasinan, the experience was challenging not only as a doctor but also as a patient.
He contracted COVID-19 in December 2021, though he only had mild symptoms.
“I think yung isolation ['yung challenging]. Siyempre, you have to isolate yourself para hindi maapektuhan yung family members mo. Challenging siya kasi close talaga kami ng family ko,” Maniquis said.
As a doctor, he remained strong despite the psychological toll.
“Worried, parang may psychological battle. Kumbaga parang kumakati rin yung lalamunan nila,” he added.
Many Filipinos did not survive the pandemic, but the development of COVID-19 vaccines restored hope gradually.
The cooperation between the government and the public became the key to slowly returning to normal life.
Beyond physical health, the pandemic also highlighted the importance of mental health, which was often overlooked before.
LEARN THE LESSONS
“Ang COVID-19 na sakit ay nandito na sa atin. Ang magagawa lang natin ay patuloy na i-practice yung mga minimum health standard,” said Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson of CHD-1.
As the Philippines and the rest of the world continues to move forward, health experts remind the public not to forget the lessons of the pandemic in building a stronger and healthier nation.
As of October 25, 2023, the Philippines has reported a total of 4,119,152 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 4,049,506 recoveries and 66,734 deaths, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The National Capital Region (NCR) accounted for the highest number of cases with 1,318,992, followed by CALABARZON with 735,178 cases, and Central Luzon with 406,343 cases.
In terms of vaccination, over 78 million individuals, representing 100.44% of the target population, have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as of July 24, 2023.
However, only 23 million individuals have received their booster shots, and 7.1 million senior citizens, or 82.16% of the target A2 population, have completed their primary series.
