Neda surveys sectors to define ‘new normal’ after pandemic crisis

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) is conducting online surveys over the weekend to develop new policies and define the “new normal” after the pandemic crisis ends.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning (IATF-TWG-AFP), chaired by NEDA, is currently preparing to provide recommendations to rebuild confidence and adjust to the new normal,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The TWG should come up with “programs and strategies to promote confidence in the country’s health systems through data analytics, recommend programs and strategies to rebuild consumer and business confidence, and recommend policies and programs to adapt to a ‘new normal,’ “NEDA said.

NEDA is facilitating online public consultation (http://bit.ly/NewNormalConsultation) on the new normal until April 7, 12 noon.

Business owners should also fill out a survey here at www.dof.gov.ph/iatf-afp-msme-survey while the consumers should answer the poll here at www.neda.gov.ph/consumer-rapid-assessment.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We in government need to understand this new normal for different sectors. This way, we can come up with policies and programs to help society adjust to the new normal,” NEDA said.

Also read: COVID-19 mass testing eyed to start on April 14

Neda surveys sectors to define ‘new normal’ after pandemic crisis

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez said the polls would help the economic team in creating a recovery plan “with a focus on helping micro, small, and medium enterprises get back on their feet” once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The survey will also help the government devise fiscal and monetary strategies tailored to the needs of the business community so that government actions will keep the overall economy afloat,” ‘Mr. Dominguez said on Saturday.

NEDA will also launch two more surveys, one for the industry and services and one for agriculture and fisheries.

“The whole of government will also be ready to adjust plans and implement the necessary interventions as the air of uncertainty is expected to remain with us for some time. We aim for these strategies to cover the most pressing issues and build from there with forward planning as our lens,” Mr. Pernia said.

The IATF-TWG-AFP will submit a progress report to the IATF for Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on April 7 and the final report by April 13.