“Pasaway” despite being one of the world’s Top Mask Users

“Pasaway” despite being one of the world’s Top Mask Users

by Alfaruc M. Andas

The Philippines among 29 countries ranked second to Singapore in terms of wearing masks with 91% of Filipinos wearing masks before going outside their homes – according to the recent survey revealed last July 17, 2020, by YouGov in partnership with the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London.

The study was conducted among 29 countries and territories between June 24, and June 28, for the purpose of investigating the preventive measures practice by different populations during the pandemic. The Philippines fall behind Singapore for being number one when it comes to conducting safety measures, with 94% of Singaporeans who wears mask prior to going out in public. The result also showed that the Filipinos wear masks more than the Hongkongers with 81% of them wearing masks outside their house. Hongkongers were recognized for their discipline in adhering pandemic protocols in battling COVID-19. Moreover, the study shows that 83% of Filipinos wash their hands properly using soap and water, about 50% prevent themselves from going outside for work and 58% have their own way to avoid using public transportation.

The UK study debunks the claim of Duterte administration blaming Filipinos and labeling them as “Pasaway” for disobeying strict quarantine protocols such as wearing a mask whenever leaving the house, physical distancing, and regular handwashing. The President himself on June 22, blamed the rise of infected cases in Cebu City for their “complacent” approach in dealing with the pandemic. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also said during a virtual press conference in April, the increasing cases of coronavirus in the country are due to the fact that Filipinos are “Pasaway”. However, the results of the study proved otherwise. Yet, despite being hailed as top mask users, COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is rapidly increasing every single day.