No doubt, the coronavirus pandemic worsened poverty incidence and hunger in the country as millions of Filipinos lost their jobs and livelihoods, saw their incomes collapse, and had difficulty buying basic goods and services.

Since its onslaught two years ago, the pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable sectors still suffer from varying forms and patterns of discrimination – the urban poor, Bangsamoro, women, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, youth, even rights defenders.

The plight of vulnerable sectors was made more evident after the national government – led by then President Rodrigo Duterte – imposed strict lockdowns that almost crippled the country's economy and left millions of Filipinos in deep anxiety.

The Philippine response to Covid-19 would eventually be seen as one of the longest and strictest lockdowns in the world, as entire provinces and cities were put into lockdown, mobility was restricted, and the wearing of masks and social distancing were strictly enforced. Violations were met with punitive action.

The government also relied heavily on the police and the military to ensure that order was maintained and that all health protocols were followed.

Metro Manila and other provinces were put under "enhanced community quarantine," and under the directive, school and university classes were suspended, mass gatherings were prohibited, government offices were run with a skeletal workforce, businesses were closed except for those providing essential goods and services, mass transportation was restricted, and people were ordered to observe social distancing measures and to stay at home.