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In my previous column I emphasized how aggressive aggressive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests and mass detection with rapid test kits are key to reopening our economy. Test, test, test; isolate and trace. With this approach, we can achieve greater visibility of the enemy and develop more effective strategies to combat the spread of the 2019 coronavirus or COVID-19 disease.
Buhay or kabuhayan? We must value life above all. But right now, these two are equally important. Because without livelihoods, how do our kababayanos survive? The reopening of the economy is extremely urgent. Of course, we must also be cautious and prevent a second wave of infections. The solution to this is a massive quick test.
By May 15, the nation will have undergone four restarts (two months in quarantine), similar to what China has done. I am sure we will not need another extension, especially as we launch the ARK Project (Rapid Antibody Test Kits), which is a private sector supported initiative to use both Rapid Antibody Test Kits for mass detection. This effort aims to identify those who are sick, healthy and have recovered from the disease.
This massive rapid test will be performed in conjunction with the government RT-PCR test. Through Project ARK, our goal is also to increase the testing capacity of 7 hospitals to 7,000 additional RT-PCR tests per day. Former DOH Sec. Janette Garin is helping Go Negosyo lead this initiative.
Currently, the country’s RT-PCR testing capacity is around 18,000 per day. This provides us with enough data to safeguard the partial reopening of the economy after the shutdown, which expires on May 15, 2020. But with massive rapid testing and by increasing RT-PCR testing to approximately 28,000 tests per day, more people can To be examined, more companies and industries may consider reopening and operating safe, and more data may be collected to help determine better, safer, and more sustainable approaches to reviving the economy.
For the first week of May, the ARK Project aims to acquire one million quick test kits through the help of different conglomerates and commercial cameras. The million private sector test kits is above the two million test kits that President Duterte had previously approved for immediate purchase for public use.
Mass rapid tests are the first step to claiming economic freedom. Fortunately, the cost of Rapid Test Kits has now been reduced to Php450, so we can expect more brands to lower prices and increase the number of tests per day.
From here, we can isolate the sick and redirect them to quarantine at home or seek treatment at the quarantine centers designated by Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr.
This is our objective. Together with the World Health Organization, Ayala, Unilab Metro Group, the Philippine Red Cross and Go Negosyo, the ARK Project aims to successfully reduce the numbers and make it safe enough for people to return to work.
Test, test, test is the proven method! We learned this from the mitigation models that were presented to the business sector. These same models were used by other countries such as South Korea and states like New York to successfully curb the spread of the disease.
We can follow this mass detection plan until the day a cure or vaccine is found. This is the best defense we have for now. And with public, private and government support, we can be sure of a more positive future. I look forward to Sec. Duque and the health department joining us in this initiative to save lives and livelihoods.
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Last Monday, we leveled our program by giving away 5,000 Php as additional capital to a lucky entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs only need to participate in our daily mentoring sessions broadcast live on Facebook. We were happy to announce Sarah Pasabillo, owner of Shalfher Tailoring and Alteration in Las Piñas, as the first winner. She was one of my mentees, whom I had met at a previous summit.
I think she was destined to win the cash prize that night, knowing that she really needed the extra capital for her business. I remember when she shared her trip earlier with me: “Attend the Philippines 2015 Summit noon at the World Trade Center. Tandang-tanda ko pa noon yung sinabi ni Sir Joey na maniwala lang sa sarili dahil balang araw baka kami na yung uupo on stage. Nainspire talaga ako sa kanya. Gusto kong ishare yung mga natutunan ko sa kanya in a community in Las Piñas, to be the entrepreneur kapwa kong. Itong Go Negosyo and his program have received many results, and have been used in the Negosyo program. “
Mentor ME Online sessions, which aim to help entrepreneurs in this difficult time, are held Monday through Friday, every 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. To date, we have conducted 60 sessions with thousands of participants tuning in daily. Despite the pandemic and the ECQ, Go Negosyo is committed to serving MSMEs in the best possible way.
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