US doctor says wearing masks bad for kids
I still prefer to wear masks for my and my family’s safety since I’m always outside our home
The new government mask policy has been generally met with approval, especially from the tourism and business sector, a Filipino-American molecular biologist is now pushing for extending the mandate to schools.
On Monday, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 3 which makes mask-wearing optional in outdoor settings.
On the day it took effect, however, many Filipinos were still seen keeping their masks on outside their homes.
"I still prefer to wear masks for my and my family's safety since I'm always outside our home," said tricycle driver John Bello in the vernacular.
Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government reminded local government units that the order applies only in outdoor settings.
"The use of masks in indoor public and private establishments and public conveyances shall continue to be enforced, especially now that cases are on the uptick," Abalos said.
Boost to tourism
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco lauded Executive Order 3 making the wearing of masks in outdoor settings.
"The order is a welcome development especially as empirical data shows that in other economies in Asia, Europe and North America where stringent health protocols were lifted, this resulted in more favorable economic conditions, an increase in tourist arrivals, and a faster recovery of their respective tourism portfolios," Frasco said.
She said they are optimistic that the Philippines will gradually catch up with its neighbors in the ASEAN region, saying the new policy will build more confidence in travel, spur economic activity, and enhance people-to-people connectivity in and around the country.
"With the President's EO and hopefully, the eventual recalibration of all remaining restrictions, the country will be able to strike the necessary balance between protecting lives and promoting livelihood.
Our prospects for recovery are much brighter with the Philippines' signal to the world that we are open, we are ready, and we are moving forward," she said.