Long and Winding Misery of the Marginalized: Social Exclusion in the Philippines amid COVID-19

Kristine Mari T. MirandaGraduate Student, College of Social Work and Community Development, University of the Philippines

While COVID-19 may be a global health crisis, it has brought us actually deeper into structural and interconnected problems at the local and national levels. It exposed social, economic, and political glitches that have been sidelined in the past. These issues continue to expand without inclusive policies, proper implementation, and clear guidelines being established by the government. We may avoid the occurrence of a specific problem for a short period of time but if we concentrate on just providing band-aid solutions without targeting the root cause of the problem, we may end up digging ourselves deeper into a rabbit’s hole.Inequalities are at their peak during times of disasters and crises. The COVID-19 pandemic is a test of action for the government on how it could rouse public participation and inclusiveness without leaving anyone behind. “If interventions do not take these into consideration, not only will existing inequalities be exacerbated, the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, safety, and security of those belonging to the most disadvantaged sectors will be adversely impacted (UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team, 2020).”Speaking of exclusion, it is crucial to be mindful of the plight of those who live in depressed, underserved communities throughout the country. How much do we actually know about their situation? Many relief programs or commonly called as “ayuda” are being implemented with little evidence-based knowledge and understanding of their needs and challenges. Furthermore, people at margins are being treated as beneficiaries, but never partners to combat this pandemic. The government may be concerned but definitely lacked the willingness and ability to alleviate the deprived from the negative impacts of this crisis.The continuous extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) had exacerbated many facets of this public health crisis. For instance, the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), indicated in the Republic Act No. 11469, also known as the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, earmarked billions of pesos worth of cash assistance for 18 million poor households. However, as of May 11, only 16.1 million or 89.42% of beneficiaries were able to claim their cash assistance a day after the second adjusted deadline (Inquirer.net, 2020).The government forced people to stay home, but failed to provide them with basic assistance they need to survive on a daily basis. This public health crisis has evolved to be an economic and social disaster, whereby human rights and freedoms are disrespected. On May 1, Rappler.com, an online news network, reported that there were at least 38,817 individuals who have been arrested for allegedly violating the protocols of the ECQ. Some of these quarantine “violators,” mostly from marginalized communities, are merely finding ways to survive. However, their needs seem to be sidelined by authorities who are mandated to ensure their well-being and rights.  Apparently, those who are in power would never understand struggles on the ground, because marginalized peoples were never included in the fight against the pandemic. As the number of cases rise every day, more and more people suffer from the lack of systematic governance of COVID-19.When the initial step en route to social inclusion is not achieved, the very nature of dealing with the pandemic has already failed. During this crisis, the government should also let the people be involved in the process.Local Government Units (LGUs) must be given adequate resources, freedom and political will to initiate and implement programs that address concerns of their constituents. Different sectors should be consulted first concerning their situations before coming up with policies and programs. This will ensure that government service caters to the needs of everyone, especially, the disadvantaged, the poor, and the marginalized.This crisis revealed a fragile system that only serves the interests of an elite few. Those at the fringes of society were never given a fighting chance to survive, all the more, to contribute to policies and programs that would elevate them from deprivation and suffering. Moreover, the government should ensure that rights and freedoms are fully protected. 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