Family: The Pillar of Society in the Face of COVID-19
Additional commentary on an article by economist, Dr. Bernardo Villegas
In Philippine society, the family takes precedence above all else. It serves as the cornerstone of Filipino culture, embodying values of love, respect, and unity. Family ties are deeply rooted and extend beyond immediate relatives, encompassing extended family members and even close family friends. This emphasis on family is reflected in various aspects of Filipino life, including decision-making, celebrations, and support systems. This deep-rooted belief in the importance of family extends to the concept of families serving as the initial economic defense against the pandemic, a notion that could significantly impact the country’s economic recovery.
Dr. Villegas posits that if families can maintain their health and well-being, it could lead to a more resilient and efficient workforce, thereby contributing to the overall economic advancement of the nation. Highlighting the family as the cornerstone of society could cultivate a sense of solidarity and communal strength, which are vital components of economic development. He cites Pope Francis’s emphasis on the family as a center of love suggesting that a society that values and supports families is likely to experience greater economic prosperity. This is because families, when nurtured and empowered, tend to invest in education, homeownership, and other endeavors that fuel economic growth. Additionally, the reevaluation of the significance of spending quality time with family members during lockdowns could usher in a renewed focus on achieving a healthy work-life balance, potentially boosting productivity and overall well-being in the long run.
The increased poverty levels caused by COVID-19 have underscored the pivotal role of families as the primary source of support and resilience during times of adversity. Despite these challenges, families in the Philippines have exhibited remarkable strength and unity, standing together to navigate through these turbulent times. Families were challenged by unemployment soaring from just over 5% before the outbreak to over 17% by the end of the first semester has had a direct impact on poverty levels in the Philippines. This figure reached 20% by 2021, equating to over 7 million job losses. The rise in unemployment has been devastating, particularly for small farmers, landless farm workers, sustenance fisherfolk, indigenous tribe members, and urban informal settlers, who have seen their livelihoods severely impacted. To address these challenges, government social amelioration programs, small business wage subsidies, and philanthropic efforts are crucial for supporting vulnerable families.
In Dr. Villegas' paper, he says that the Philippines could achieve upper-middle-income status within the next five years, with a per capita income surpassing $4,000. However, he also cites that a recent study by economists from the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) noted a slight delay in the Philippines’ transition from low-middle-income to upper-middle-income status due to COVID-19. Hence, with the arguments stated above, if we want to hasten economic growth in the Philippines, the government must continue to support the stability of families in Philippine society.
Dr. Bernardo Villegas is a Visiting Professor at the IESE Business School in Barcelona & a professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). He was also one of the framers of the 1986 Philippine Constitution and founder of the well-renowned Makati Business Club.
